Irish Trucker magazine March 2013

IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

COMMERCIAL & REPAIR CO.

MARCH 2013 Vol. 16 No. 2 EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50

ALL INSURANCE QUOTED

• Motor Fleet For Hauliers • Worldwide Transit Risks • Single Vehicle Haulage • Carriers Liability • Warehouse Risks • Employers Liability • Public Liability

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUP an Aon company

LIGHTENING THE LOAD With over 35 years of experience insuring single vehicles, fleets and haulage risks, we specialise in finding the right product to meet your business needs at the most competitive price

The Insurance Centre, Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18 Tel: +353 1 293 2350 Fax: +353 1 293 2360 Email: info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie

MacDonagh Boland Crotty MacRedmond Ltd. t/a Aon MacDonagh Boland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

www.irishtrucker.com CONTENTS Irish Trucker is published by DG Press Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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ON SITE REFUELING Offering a simple solution

Telephone: (046) 9241923

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Fax: (046) 9241926

MAN IMPORTERS IRELAND LTD Ireland’s sole importer of MAN trucks & Buses

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GLOBAL TYRES Newfound Michelin certified centre

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NOEL HANLEY Celebrating 15 years in business

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CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Dan McInerney, Director of Transportation & Emergency Services

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M&M RECOVERY & BREAKDOWN SERVICES LTD. Providing an exceptional service

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COACH TOURISM & TRANSPORT COUNCIL OF IRELAND Working on behalf of Ireland’s independent coach & private bus operators

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COILLTE At the forefront of a new collaborative project

ISDN: 046-9248197 e mail: contact@lynngroupmedia.com

ISSN 0791-993X

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On Site Refueling P24

MAN Importers Ireland Ltd P26

Noel Hanley P34

JC HALLIDAY & SONS LTD. Ireland’s longest running Citroen dealership

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without the written permission of the author or Lynn Group Media © Copyright Lynn Group Media 2013 The opinions expressed in Irish Trucker do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, their agents or Irish Trucker.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear.

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CRONIN’S COMMERCIAL & REPAIR COMPANY Continuing to satisfy customer demands

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TUCKMILL TRANSPORT & TPN A perfect combination

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CALOR GAS Celebrated 75 years in business in 2012

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BS AUTO RECYCLERS LTD Supplying new and second hand parts

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GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL Cill Rónáin Harbour project voted Engineering Project of the Year

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BARRON TRANSPORT Delivering 100% service

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CLASSIFIEDS

Coillte P46

JC Halliday & Sons P50

Spectacular prizes and treats for all participants as 250,000 players targeted Topaz, the country’s largest fuels and convenience retailer, is to invest €3 million in a new interactive loyalty game for customers called PLAY or PARK. The Company expects PLAY or PARK, the first retail based loyalty programme in Europe to use an ongoing game mechanic, to attract over 250,000 members in its first year.

To enter the game customers collect points which enable them to PLAY for an experience of a lifetime prize every month –or they can choose to PARK them and carry them forward to participate in a following month’s game. The key difference with other loyalty schemes is that everyone who plays each month is eligible for a complimentary Topaz Treat eg: coffee and muffin, car wash etc.

Paul Candon, Marketing and Corporate Services Director at Topaz said the objective was to come up with a unique and fun way of rewarding customers for their loyalty.

“Irish people are very interested in loyalty schemes. Ninety three per cent of them carry one loyalty card while almost two thirds have three. However they only actively participate in half of them. Our customers told us they wanted something that was fun, engaging and interactive and that’s what we’ve done” Candon said.

Every month customers stand the chance of winning an experience of a lifetime. The prizes include a luxury holiday in the Maldives, a tour of various Michelin starred restaurants around Europe, shopping in New York with three friends (with €8,000 spending money), a trip to Thailand, a new car (with free fuel for a year).

Candon pointed out that there is also a very important charity element to the game; “Every quarter players can opt to play for a donation to a local charity of their choice and a cash prize for themselves. Topaz will match all those donations with a donation to our own charity partner Aware, which is doing tremendous work helping those suffering from depression” he said.

A nationwide advertising campaign including TV, Social Media, Radio and Print ads will kick off in a couple of weeks time.

The Company estimates its overall spend on PLAY OR PARK will be €3 million.

“Through the imaginative use of technology PLAY or PARK will enable us to connect with our customers at a deeper level and to engage with them through various media, be it mobile, social media, e mail or our newly designed website.

But it will always be on the customer’s terms. At Topaz we know it is all about enhancing the customer experience and PLAY or PARK will ensure that 2013 is a rewarding year for all our loyal customers” Candon concluded.

Local man is in driving force behind fundraising for Craigavon Neonatal Unit Local Armagh man Paul Clarke, who works foro McGeown Haulage of Armagh, recently visited the Neonatal Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital to present a cheque for 16,034stg towards the purchase of new neonatal incubators for the unit as a thanks to staff for their treatment and care of his son Shea during his stay there in December 2007.

The money was raised through a Gala Fundraising Cabaret and Dance held in Canal Court Hotel, Newry on 23 November 2012. Truck-driving country music man Sean Wallace was host and compere for the evening and there was music from the brilliant ‘Limelight’ John Feehan and Michael McGrady plus a special guest appearance by the ‘Tri-Axle Group’/’Do-Rightlys’ who reformed specially for the night. A raffle was also held which included top prizes of breaks for two in the Allingham Arms Hotel, Bundoran; the Slieve Russell Hotel and Spa, Co. Cavan and Red Castle Golf and Spa Hotel, Co. Donegal plus 500 litres of home heating oil supplied by C.F.S Fuels.

Additionally, Paul compiled a magnificent 2013 calendar featuring 12 of Ireland’s top trucking companies all displaying their eye catching trucks which was also on sale on the night.

Paul would like to thank everyone involved for their support in his endeavours and generous donations for this worthy cause. In particular, Paul would like to extend a huge thanks to Adrian McGeown, McGeown Haulage; Andrew Nesbitt, Cross Refrigeration; Sean McArdle, MT Waste; Eammon Boylan, C.F.S Fuels; John Jordan, Tranzone and Mickey McLoughlan, Fresco Seafoods.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cv advert 2013_Layout 1 03/12/2012 11:42 Page 1

THE UK'S BIGGEST COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW The number one road transport and logistics event in Britain, catering for every operator’s business needs, the CV Show has become the leading meeting place for suppliers and operators alike - a true one stop shop for the industry.

Located at the NEC, at the heart of the motorway network, the Show is open from 8.30 to 5.30 April 9-11.

www.cvshow.com

GET YOUR FREE TICKET REGISTER TODAY WWW.CVSHOW.COM Exhibitor enquiries call +44 (0) 1634 261 262

TRUCK NEWS n with in associatio

BIT’S ‘N’ BOB’S

TRUCK ACCESSORIES Monaghan (087) 2480730 • TRUCK ACCESSORIES IN 1 STOP - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • IRISH AGENT FOR KELSA TRUCK BAR’S • NATIONWIDE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

Suzuki Ireland announces the appointment of Ray Crofton Motors Ltd., Maynooth, County Kildare as a new Suzuki dealership with immediate effect The appointment increases the number of Suzuki dealerships to 20 nationwide.

“We are very happy to be associated with Ray Crofton Motors,’ said Wayne Doolan, General Manager of Suzuki Ireland. ‘Ray Crofton Motors has been successfully serving customers in the Maynooth and North Kildare area since 1983 and has gone from strength to strength.”

Dealer Principal, Ray Crofton, is pleased about this latest development within his business. “We are delighted to be representing Suzuki in North Kildare.

We have a proud history in the Motor industry which goes back over 30 years. Over that time we have built strong links with the local community and feel that Suzuki is a perfect fit for our growing customer base.”

Pictured left to right: Michael McBarron, Sales Manager, Suzuki Ireland, Ray he said.

Crofton, Dealer Principal, Ray Crofton Motors, Wayne Doolan, General Over the years our highly qualified and award winning Manager, Suzuki Ireland service team has prided itself on providing excellent after-sales service to our customers, which in turn has led to an increase in sales. We believe our appointment as Suzuki dealers will further enhance our business and increase the choice we can offer our customers.”

Ray will be stocking the complete range of Suzuki vehicles which comprises of the Alto from €10,995, the Splash from €11,995, the multi award winning Swift from €12,995, the SX4 Crossover Range from €17,995 and the Grand Vitara from €35,695.

Ray Crofton Motors is situated on Celbridge Road, Maynooth, County Kildare.

Sheehy Motors Carlow win big in Europe Sheehy Motors Carlow have been officially presented with their 2012 Volkswagen Service Quality award, this is a prestigious award that has an entry list of 6,300 Volkswagen Retail business partners from 27 countries. Whilst PJ O’Neill, Service Manager at Sheehy Motors attended the 2012 Gala Awards Event in Dresden, Germany in September 2012, January 14th saw the official handing over the actual award and certificate to the staff at Sheehy Motors, Carlow.

Alan Bateson, Volkswagen Head of Aftersales From left: PJ O’Neill, After Sales; Alan Bateson, Volkswagen, Head of Aftersales; John Nolan, commented, “The name of Volkswagen must Volkswagen Aftersales Area manager; Shawn Carson, Dealer Principal Sheehy Motors not only be synonymous with outstanding vehicles, but also with top all-round service.

Shawn, PJ and the team at Sheehy Motors Carlow work tirelessly to ensure all Customers are completely satisfied each and every time they visit their business. This is further displayed by their standing in the 2013 Volkswagen Service Quality Awards Table where they have occupied a top 3 position throughout the qualification period. Final results for the 2013 Awards will be known by March this year.”

Shawn Carson, Dealer Principal at Sheehy Motors Carlow said, “We are very honoured to receive such a prestigious award.Shawn paid tribute to the loyal and dedicated staff who consistently delivers exceptional levels of customer care and satisfaction.

“We would like to thank all our customers both past and present for their loyalty and support over the years. We believe if we continue to provide value for money and excellent customer service the Volkswagen brand will grow even further.”

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IMPORTANT NOTICE NEW REGULATIONS TO INCREASE THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR 6 AXLE ARTICULATED VEHICLE COMBINATIONS From 1st April 2013 owners/operators of six-axle (3+3) articulated vehicle combinations may operate at 46 tonnes provided they satisfy the following criteria:

Six axle (3+3) Articulated Vehicle Combinations

What is Required On or After 1st April 2013?

Tractor units & semi-trailers already in service prior to 1st April 2013

Electronic Braking System (EBS)

New tractor units first registered on or after 1st April 2013

Electronic Braking System (EBS) & Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

New semi-trailers first licensed in Ireland on or after 1st April 2013

Electronic Braking System (EBS) & Roll Stability Control (RSC)

The 5.5 tonnes/metre requirement has also been increased to 5.75 tonnes/metre. This applies to 46 tonne six axle articulated vehicle combinations only. This will allow semi-trailers already in service to now operate at 46 tonnes without the need for wheelbase modifications or trailer replacement.

In order to be permitted to operate at 46 tonnes, the vehicle manufacturer (or his authorised Irish distributor) will be required to confirm in writing (by completing a “46 tonne Declaration of Conformity”) that the vehicle is technically capable and is fitted with the necessary features.

Only then can a new vehicle be plated or an existing vehicle re-plated by an NSAI appointed plating centre for operation at 46 tonnes.

From 1st April 2013, the concept of an “appropriate semi-trailer” will also be introduced.

This will apply to both new and existing semi-trailers (i.e. the drawn component of an articulated vehicle) operating as part of a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight in excess of 40 tonnes. They must have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and road friendly suspension.

These requirements do not apply to drawbar trailers (i.e. those towed behind rigid vehicles) with a Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) exceeding 3,500kg unless they were first licensed in Ireland on or after 1st June 2011, in which case ABS is required.

For more information on these new regulations, including the penalties for breach of national weight limits, please visit www.rsa.ie

Granard, Co. Longford

Contact GERRY @ 086-2624196 Orders open soon for new Generation Mercedes-Benz Atego Mercedes Benz new generation Atego

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that they will begin taking orders in June for their New Generation Atego, short-radius distribution truck which premiers in Germany on March 13th.

Positioned within the 6.5 to 16 tonnes segment, the Atego slots into the Mercedes-Benz range alongside its larger stablemates Actros and the soon-to-arrive Antos and Arocs.

Mercedes-Benz views the Atego as the stand out member of its new truck generation. Expected to set a benchmark in its sector, it is powered by a choice of seven engines with manual and automatic transmission. Four BlueTec 6 four-cylinder engines cover the range 115 kW (156 hp) to 170 kW (231 hp) while three newly-designed six-cylinder engines cover the higher 175 kW (238 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp) range, all delivering up to 5 percent less fuel consumption.

Features include Stability Control Assist as standard and a new high performance braking system designed to ensure maximum driver safety.

It’s a Brand idea

MIDLAND BASED

Fall in February car sales New car sales were down 7.6% in February, with a total of 10,619 registrations.. Compared to last year, the total number of registrations for the first two months of 2013 is down by 15%. Volkswagen is the top-selling brand this year, with 12% of the market, followed by Toyota (10.6%), Ford (10%) and Hyundai (8.2%). The market was revived by a dramatic surge in new car registrations on the last day of the month. Almost a quarter of all the new cars registrations in February - 2,559 new cars - took place on the 28th. But for these extra registrations, the monthly figures would have been dramatically lower. Of the sales last month, 30% of all new VW Golfs and 40% of all new Ford Focuses were registered on the last day. Cars are often registered on the last day of the month to meet sales targets despite not actually being sold to a customer, so the overall figures can be very misleading. New registrations have been especially low in the midlands and border counties: Leitrim, Offaly, Monaghan and Roscommon have all recorded falls of over 30%. In Dublin, registrations are down by 8.6%. The best-selling car is the Nissan Qashqai (1,335), slightly ahead of the new Volkswagen Golf (1,320). Diesel remains the preferred fuel option, powering (73.8%). Petrol accounts for 25.2% of sales.

NTDA warns of Northern Ireland tyre scam

The NTDA have told us of a tyre scam currently doing the rounds in Northern Ireland. Regional Chairman Roy Nutt says that two retailers in Northern Ireland have been approached by a person looking to buy tyres with a stolen credit card. An enquiry was submitted via the website and, in what seems like an early April Fool's joke, the enquiry was submitted in the name of a Mr. Fraud and the e-mail address given was rip@tyretradeoff.com. The enquiry was for wholesale prices on Pacer Pc50 175/70 13 tyres, based on 50 - 100 at a time. It could be argued that anyone who receives such an enquiry and isn't suspicious deserves what's coming to them, but we are pleased to pass on the warning.

Since its emergence in the mid-1960s as a major player in Ireland’s heavy and light commercial vehicles markets, Mercedes-Benz has built an enviable reputation as a big brand carrier.

Today, the three-pointed-star is a familiar sight on trucks and vans used to transport the goods of many of Ireland’s and the world’s leading manufacturers and services providers.

Here in Ireland, the Mercedes-Benz client base has become a ‘who’s who’ of top names. Included amongst them are local names like Aer Lingus, Pallas Foods, Coillte, Topaz, Maxol and Top oil products distributor Reynolds Transport, HSE, Dublin Fire Brigade and others, while their portfolio of world brand leaders includes Air Products, Coca-Cola, DHL, UPS, FedEx and more.

Commenting, their commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady, said ‘one good way to evaluate a company is to take note of the company that it keeps. At Mercedes-Benz, we are especially proud of the Coca-Cola Mercedes-Benz Sprinter companies that we keep.’

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Motorway gets go ahead Work on the construction of new motorway between Gort and Tuam in Co Galway is to begin before the end of the year, after funding was approved for the project. The Department of Public Expenditure has approved the allocation of money to cover the Exchequer element of the scheme. The National Roads Authority says it will now re-engage with the preferred private contractor to complete the new N17/ N18 route. The construction of a 57-km motorway - part of the so-called Atlantic Corridor on the west coast - will take thousands of vehicles out of Clarinbridge, Claregalway and Tuam each day. It will be constructed as a Public Private Partnership project. There will be no tolls on the route. Instead the State will pay the private contractors an annuity over 25 years. The NRA says hundreds Construction on new motorway of jobs will be created during the construction process. It is between Gort and Tuam set to begin expected the motorway will take up to three years to complete at a cost of €550 million. An environmental assessment of the proposed route has already been done, along with an archaeological review. In addition, compulsory purchase orders required to develop the road have been completed. The project stalled in 2010 when the bidders first selected as the private contractor were unable to secure funding to carry out the work, due to the economic downturn. The contract was subsequently awarded to Direct Route- a group made up of several contractors including Lagan, Roadbridge and Sisk.

Port of Cork sees increase in trade traffic in 2012 End of Year Statement from Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company The Port of Cork Company today announced end of year trade traffic results for 2012, showing a total of 9.05 million tonnes. This is an increase of 2% compared to 2011 figures and it is the first time traffic figures in the Port have surpassed 9 million tonnes since 2008.

2012 was a very challenging year across many sectors including the Irish port sector with the import of goods through Irish ports reported to have fallen by up to 11%. However, the Port of Cork container volumes has shown an increase of 6% with over 165,000 TEU handled during 2012 and imports, excluding oil, are up by 12%. Imports of animal feed stuffs increased by 58% compared to 2011 while fertiliser, cereals and other trades have shown a marginal decrease in 2012.

Oil traffic remained steady despite the lower levels of domestic economic activity; however exports of refined product from Phillips 66 Whitegate Oil Refinery were strong and continue to be a significant part of the Port of Cork business. Exports are a key driver in the successful recovery of the Irish Economy and the Port of Cork is committed to continuous support in the growth of international trade for the country’s economic prospects and job creation.

Remarking on the end of year trade traffic results, Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said: “The Port of Cork is pleased to announce that our total trade traffic in 2012 remained strong and overall we are starting to see some stabilisation in trade levels in and out of the Port. With 98% of volume of all goods imported or exported from Ireland moved by ship, the importance of ports to our economy is of vital strategic importance. We will continue to look to the sectors that are performing strongly, such as food exports and will seek to capitalise on the demand for such goods from Europe and emerging markets.”

He continued: “The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of Ireland and in particular the entire Munster region. The challenge now facing us in 2013 is to continue to develop the Port in order to meet the needs of the Country as it emerges from this current recession. We will continue to be extremely active in the emerging trends and logistic supply changes to reinforce our existing strength as the primary deepwater port in the south of Ireland and build on our progress to date”.

Port officials are pro-actively engaged with tourism interests, County and City Councils and destination attractions to enhance the product on offer to the visiting cruise lines with a view to growing the business further through its dedicated cruise terminal. 57 cruise vessels visited the Port of Cork during 2012 bringing almost 100,000 passengers and crew to the region and the Port is scheduled to accommodate 64 vessels in 2013. The Port of Cork was awarded two Cruise Insight Awards for ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’ which were announced at the global shipping conference, Seatrade Miami in April 2012. This achievement highlighted the outstanding team effort and commitment by the Port of Cork to deliver an excellent service to the visiting cruise lines and their passengers when in Cork. The Port is delighted to be supporting The Gathering for 2013 and is actively ensuring that all visitors who transit through our facilities receive a warm welcome to Irish shores. Brittany Ferries remained steady on its weekly ferry service from Cork to Roscoff and the Port remains fully committed to establishing new routes and services from Cork.

The Port of Cork’s recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Great names, great solutions from Isuzu Truck at CV Show Four technically advanced trucks from four high profile companies form the centrepiece of the vehicle display on the Isuzu Truck stand at this year’s CV Show, with a selection of vehicles covering 3.5, 7.5 and 11.00 tonnes GVW that combine payload, proven reliability and innovative engineering - all backed by the company's award-winning customer support programme CARE. According to Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck UK; “For 2013, the CV Show will present us with a further opportunity to highlight the strengths of the current Isuzu truck product range, in terms of fleet operating benefits, impressive low running costs and unrivalled payload. We continue to offer our customers complete peace of mind by offering the best customer CARE and service in the business, plus of course all of our vehicles come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard,” Representing Isuzu’s Grafter range is a 3.5 tonne N35.150 4x2 rigid in the colours of leading plant and tool hire company GAP Group. GAP has specified the twin rear wheeled model fitted with a dropside body and a rear taillift. By design, the Isuzu Grafter has one of the best towing capacities of any vehicle at this weight range and this latest GAP 3.5 tonner will shortly be joining a fleet of similar Isuzu vehicles in the company used for towing up to another 3.5 tonnes, predominantly plant on low-loader trailers.

At 7.5 tonnes, Isuzu leads the way with its popular Forward range of trucks that demonstrate unrivalled versatility and flexibility, together with impressive payload potential. On the stand will be two 7.5 tonners, one in the colours of national tool and equipment hire company HSS Hire, with the second vehicle belonging to high profile retailer and home delivery company Argos.

The HSS Hire Isuzu Forward N75.190 rigid will be specified with the popular Easyshift transmission system and incorporates many additional bodywork Some of the vehicles forming the centre features, as it will be working on a specific rail maintenance contract. The Isuzu piece of Isuzu Truck’s display at the CV Show truck will be fitted with a 6.1m (20ft) PPS box body that has curtains fitted to the nearside only and a 1.5m rear taillift. Other safety features on this vehicle include the side scan system, reverse camera with in cab monitor, kerbside view lens on the nearside door window and wide view mirrors on both sides.

The second 7.5 tonne rigid on display, another Forward N75.190, will be a demountable-bodied vehicle that is scheduled to join the Argos nationwide home delivery fleet, with the Isuzu chassis having a specially extended 5.3m wheelbase. This truck is capable of handling a range of demount bodies up to 7.325m (24ft) in length, it is fitted with a Wheelbase Engineering ‘Seven-Five’ low-build demountable body chassis installation that has been designed specifically for Argos.

The Argos 4x2 rigid Isuzu on display will have a 24’ Bevan Series 21 demountable box body with an aerodynamic radius roof and barn type rear doors. One notable feature of the demount body is that the body panels are manufactured from a new composite material called Nidafont that is both ultra light and extremely strong and durable. The combination of the Isuzu 7.5 tonne chassis cab with the lightweight aerodynamic body enables Argos to achieve significant fuel savings and greater operational efficiencies on its multi-drop home delivery operation.

To accommodate the differing designs and heights of the current Argos demount body fleet, the Isuzu rigid will also be fitted with a Hatcher electronically adjustable roof deflector - the first time this traditional tractor unit product has been specified on a rigid truck. Saving both driver time as well as enabling greater on-the-road fuel efficiencies, the roof deflector identifies the height of the demount body when it is loaded and then lowers or raises itself automatically to the optimum height.

Completing the four-strong vehicle line-up on the Isuzu truck stand is an 11 tonne GVW Isuzu Forward F110.210 in the livery of Dorset recycling company Avon Material Supplies (AMS). The AMS Isuzu 11 tonner is also specified with the Easyshift transmission and has an all-aluminium dropside tipping body. Manufactured by Charltons of Dover, the bespoke tipper body on the vehicle features a Hiab radio remote control crane, complete with clamshell loading bucket.

Manufacturing rises again Growth was recorded in the Irish manufacturing sector once more in February, 2013. With companies reporting stronger demand and new contracts, the rate of growth is increasing. The latest NCB manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 51.5 last month, up from a reading of 50.3 in January (with any figure over 50 signalling growth). However, the rate of expansion was only slight while new export orders were relatively-unchanged after rising slightly in January. Also, manufacturers increased their workforces last month as employment returned to growth after a fall in January. On the downside, companies also reported another rise in input costs due to supply shortages. As input costs rose, companies also raised their output costs in February - the fourth time in the past six months that companies have offset input cost increases with higher output prices.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

01 4098200

We Supply: Brake Calipers, Brake Discs, Drums & Pads, Clutch Kits, Air Brake Valves, Electrical Components & Mirrors, Batteries, Shock Absorbers, Steering Components, Exhaust Systems, Chassis Components, Filtration, Air Suspension Systems, Vehicle Diagnostics Solutions, Fleet Management Systems.

www.truckandbusparts.ie Unit 10 Parkmore Industrial Estate Longmile Road, Dublin 12 www.truckandbusparts.ie

Mercedes-Benz Arocs

New Mercedes-Benz Arocs available here later this year Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that their new heavy-duty load carrier Arocs – the truck designed specifically for the construction industry - will be available to Irish customers on order later this year.

Though their commercial vehicles sales manager in Ireland, Fergus Conheady accepts that it may be some time yet before the industry recovers sufficiently to create demand for the new truck, he nonetheless points to the various attributes which he believes will make Arocs attractive to customers working in the sector.

The range consists of all-wheel drive versions; cement mixers; semitrailer tractors and dropsider chassis vehicles.

Seven cabins are available in short or medium length.

Euro 6 compliant engines with BlueEfficiency emissions technology deliver improved fuel efficiency and come in sixteen power categories from 238 - 625 hp. Increased ground clearance, automated power shift transmission and electrohydraulic power steering are amongst its other attributes.

Guinness tanks bring city to a standstill

Delivery of brewing vessels closed some Dublin streets

Some Dublin city centre streets were closed recently as a convoy of giant brewing vessels was delivered to the Guinness factory at St James’s Gate. The new tanks – some of which can hold a million pints of Guinness are part of the €153m re-development of the world-famous St James's Gate brewery, The painstaking journey of the oversized load from Dun Laoghaire to the factory took six hours, with the convoy travelling at speeds of four to six kilometres per hour. Each of the 26-meter long containers weighs up to 28 tonnes and is valued at approximately €500,000. Guinness intends to have its new expansion operational within three months.

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Sales of new cars down in January while used car market performing well Figures released from the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) show that new car sales in January were 18.8% down on January 2012. HGV's (Heavy Goods Vehicles) were down by 7.3%, while LCV's (Light Commercial Vehicles) were down 9.3% over the same period.

Alan Nolan, Director General SIMI: "There has been a slower start to the year than we would have hoped, given that there appear to be some positive signs on consumer confidence, but our sector has not yet seen any positive impact from this.

It is, however, early days yet to judge how the year will pan out based on just one month’s figures, so we will all be following next month’s progress very closely. The new number plate system was always going to be a slow start, with the change only announced in December, but we would expect to see increased interest as these cars are seen out on the road. Dealers have been reporting that some customers believe the new number plate is only for this year, so it’s worth underlining that the new number plate system is here to stay, with 141 being the number for January next year. See this video for more information on the new plate. Although new car business has seen a slower start than last year, dealers are reporting that used cars are selling strongly which means continued demand for trade-ins and trade-in values holding up."

CV Show 2013 This year's Commercial Vehicle Show runs from 9-11 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

As at previous CV Shows, we are planning a series of exhibitor press conferences on the day before the Show opens - Monday 8 April at the NEC between 11:00-17:30.

We run these conferences back-to-back, with one conference happening while the next is being set up in another room. There'll be a short break between each conference for you to catch your breath - and of course there'll be lunch and other refreshments, too. Although the schedule is yet to be finalised, exhibitors who have so far signed-up for the conferences are: Continental Automotive, DAF Trucks, DriveCam, Driver First Assist, Isuzu UK, IRTE, MAN Truck and Bus and Telogis.

I hope you can join us. Please e-mail me at jwilkinson@smmt.co.uk or call me on 020 7344 9266 to let me know and I'll send you the final schedule once it's agreed.

There is a Media Centre button on the CV Show website so click on this link to find all relevant information and news conferences and events scheduled throughout the Show will be uploaded when they are finalised. Media registration for the CV Show is also open here for you to pre-register. The Show’s Media Centre (opposite the main Piazza entrance) will be open on 8 April - and throughout the Show - for you to collect your media badge and where you’ll also find all facilities to help you work away from the office.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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The Care Trust and Ford launch Ireland’s biggest annual car giveaway

The Care Trust CEO, Senan Mullins; The Care Trust ambassador, Mary Kennedy; and Ford Ireland Regional Manager, Paul O’Sullivan see off the first batch of Fiestas at the launch of The Care Trust’s 2013 car giveaway…

For little more than the cost of a cup of coffee contributors have the chance to win 36 Ford Fiesta cars Transporters full of new Ford Fiestas are taking to the highways and byways of Ireland, delivering new 131-registration cars to the lucky winners in the Care Trust’s fundraising draws. The Care Trust annual car giveaway is the biggest in Ireland with a total of 36 Fiesta cars – three per month – to be raffled among the charity’s supporters. Prizes in the monthly draws also include generous cash prizes.

Launching the 2013 giveaway and fundraising drive were CEO of The Care Trust, Dr. Senan Mullins; ambassador for The Care Trust, RTE presenter, Mary Kennedy; and Ford Ireland Regional Manager, Paul O’Sullivan.

Senan Mullins, CEO of The Care Trust, said: “Our valuable work is supported by thousands of people across the country who pay little more than the cost of a cup of coffee per week and this gives them access to our monthly draws where they can win up to three Ford Fiesta cars per month or any of our many generous cash prizes”.

Mary Kennedy, ambassador for The Care Trust, said: “Recent years have been very tough. But it is important that we still do as much as we can for people whose need is greater than our own. The money raised by The Care Trust does just that, and I would urge anyone wanting to 'give a little back' to give thought to signing up as a contributor to The Care Trust”.

Paul O’Sullivan, Regional Manager of Ford Ireland, said: “We are delighted to partner with The Care Trust in support of their valuable work in our communities. We hope that with the Fiesta, one of Ireland’s most popular small cars, as the centrepiece of their monthly draws, The Care Trust’s fundraising activities will go from strength to strength in 2013”.

Set up more than fifty years ago, The Care Trust fundraises to provide essential funds to the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Rehab and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The money raised helps fund these organisations in their work with the many thousands of children and adults with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged and those requiring medical care.

In The Care Trust 2012 car giveaway, unsurprisingly, Dublin, with the highest population of the country, topped the winners list with 11 Fiesta winners out of a total of 36. Counties with the second and third highest number of winners were Galway (5) and Cork (4). Limerick had three Fiesta winners; Kildare, Kilkenny, Sligo and Wexford each had two; and there was one winner for Carlow, Donegal, Kerry, Louth and Waterford.

The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post. All registered contributors who contribute €3.50 per week / €15 per month are eligible for all of the draws. For more information, see thecaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.

14

New Port of Cork chairman appointed Cork businessman John Mullins has been formally appointed as chairman of the Port of Cork by the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD. Mullins was most recently chief executive of Bord Gáis Eireann, a role which he held for five years until he resigned in December 2012 to set up his own consultancy and to pursue other business interests. "I am honoured with the trust placed in me by Minister Varadkar," said Mullins. "I look forward to my new role as chairman of the Port of Cork, particularly at this crucial period for the company as it advances proposals for new infrastructure required to service business for the next twenty years. "I strongly believe that the Port of Cork is central to a brighter economic future for the Munster region and the Irish economy as a whole, given the value it brings in moving goods to market for both customers and businesses. As one of Ireland's core ports, I will work to ensure that the Port of Cork continues to grow and improve competitiveness."

Irish-Chinese exports on the rise China will be a key market for Irish exports up to 2030, as it overtakes France and Japanto become Ireland’s fourth largest export destination. This is according to HSBC’s latest Global Connections trade forecast for Ireland.

Although Ireland's main export markets of the UK, USAand Germany will remain the top three destinations, the main growth areas for its exports lie in emerging Asia. This is evidenced by forecasted growth in exports to China of 11pc per annum in the period 20162030. Alongside China, the forecasts also show India and Vietnam as the fastest-growing export markets to 2030, with Malaysia and Indonesia also becoming increasingly important.

Ireland's overall export performance is expected to be relatively favourable compared to its western European peers. Growth in merchandise exports from Ireland is, for example is expected to outstrip the UK, France and Germany in the period 2021-2030.

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Shannon to cater for larger ships A 30-year plan launched by Ireland’s largest bulk port company will see the Shannon estuary capable of attracting some of the largest container ships in the world after the enlargement of the Panama Canal.

Shannon Foynes Port Company expects that up to 2,000 jobs could be created through direct foreign Shannon Foynes Port has investment in the life launched a 30 year plan time of the Vision 2041 project if the unique assets of the Shannon estuary are successfully marketed. The Shannon estuary is the deepest waterway in Ireland and one of the deepest in Europe. Its natural depth gives it a distinct advantage over other ports in Ireland to be able to handle the huge container ships being developed with the expansion of the Panama Canal. At the launch of the master plan at Foynes Flying Boat Maritime Museum, Michael Collins, chairman of the port company, said the estuary had not realised its full potential over the last four decades “in terms of catering for deep water and being able to bring in the largest ships in the world”. Asked if he felt let down by State agencies in the region and successive government over recent decades, Mr Collins said he “did not want to dwell on that too much”. “Nothing much has happened in the greater Shannon estuary in the last 40 years . . . Inward investment into the Shannon region has been neglected. The line has been blurred between who should lead on getting indirect inward investment into the Shannon estuary.

Derry Bros New Look Website Goes Live Derry Bros Shipping have launched their new self service website. For businesses wishing to ship across the Irish Sea, English Channel and North Sea, you can now go online through www.derrybros.com and make your booking.

Owner of the business Brigid Derry said “we have invested a considerable amount of time and money in developing our new site in order to address the needs of our customers. We want to make the process of booking space on a boat as easy as possible for our customers and have been rigorously testing the site to ensure that customers are now able to book with the minimum amount of effort.

That’s not to say that we are not taking bookings over the phone. We want to give our customers choice, and by giving them an online option we feel that this is a natural progression in the service we offer”.

Derry Bros.com will not only give customers the ability to gain a quote and book online, it also gives customers vital information including route maps, timetables and fuel surcharges.

To set up your on line account simply visit www.derrybros.com and follow the guide. Booking your boat just got easier.

16

Top businesses recognised at 2013 Irish Motor Industry Awards Top businesses from the Irish Motor Industry were celebrated at the 2013 SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with Castrolwhich took place at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin.

Six awards were presented by veteran sports commentator, Des Cahill.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Alan Nolan, Director General, SIMI congratulated the award winners, “The winners have proven to the whole industry that it is possible for a business to excel in our sector, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable economic conditions.

These awards recognise the bestperforming automotive companies from across Ireland, and all of the winners can be proud of what they have achieved over the last 12 months."

About the Irish Motor Industry Awards Now in it’s 3rd year, the awards recognise best practice exhibited by franchised and independent dealer members of the SIMI. Celebrating the positive approach displayed by the industry in spite of unforgiving trading conditions, the awards recognise those businesses who have most successfully confronted the toughest circumstances the sector has seen in a generation.

More info http://www.irishmotorindustryawards.c om/categories.html Winners Franchised Retailer of the Year - Colm Quinn BMW Franchised Dealership of the Year Colm Quinn BMW Independent Retailer of the Year Kevin Egan Cars Franchised Aftersales Dealer of the Year - Finglas Ford Bodyshop of the Year - Dennings Cars Outstanding Achievement Award Kilkenny SIMI members For full details of the 2013 SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards in partnership with Castrol, please visitwww.irishmotorindustryawards.ie.

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Easytrip partners with Irish Guide Dogs for the blind Easytrip, Ireland’s leading provider of electronic tolling & parking payment services has today announced an initiative to help raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. The current campaign will see Easytrip donate €5 for every new Easytrip account opened between 4th February through to 31st March 2013.

The campaign will kick off at East Link and Dublin Port Tunnel toll plazas from 4th February 2013. Motorists can pick up a leaflet when passing through these plazas and sign up at www.easytrip.ie or lo call 1890 67 67 68 until 31st March 2013. Promoting mobility and independence is a theme common to both organizations’ and Easytrip has identified Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as its preferred charity with the aim of highlighting this worthy cause.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Dermot MacEvilly, Chief Executive Officer of Easytrip Services Ireland said, “Easytrip is committed to supporting the friends and families of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

These dedicated caregivers commit themselves to helping people who are blind and vision impaired, and also families of children with autism, to achieve improved mobility and independence.

“Likewise, Easytrip’s own mission is to improve mobility for motorists and to give our customers one less thing to think about as they go about their day. We are therefore proud to be announcing this fundraising campaign and hope it can contribute to the continued success of the charity. This is only the beginning of what we hope will become a flourishing partnership with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind into the future,” MacEvilly concluded.

Pictured at the launch of the fund raising campaign were (from left): Jim Geraghty, Eastlink Operations Manager; Dermot MacEvilly, chief executive Also commenting on the campaign, Padraig Mallon, officer, Easytrip Services Ireland and Sinead O’Keeffe, commercial Chief Executive Officer, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind manager, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. said, “We are delighted that Easytrip have chosen us for this promotion. Our staff uses the tags as they travel the country to support our clients and volunteers. We know how convenient and cost effective the Easytrip facility is and would recommend that all motorists who use tolled roads should open an account. When you do you will be helping us to train and support people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism, everyone wins now that’s a good deal!” Mallon concluded.

To find out more on this fundraising initiative check out www.easytrip.ie or for more details about Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind visit, www.guidedogs.ie

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Tyrego.ie Tyrego.ie has just received the first ever delivery of KenTool in Ireland. Ken-Tool is the leading manufacturer of tyre service tools in the world specialising in truck, bus and commercial tyre changing tools. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Ken-Tool has been providing the tyre industry and automotive aftermarket with quality products for over 80 years. Housed in a 75,000 square foot facility, Ken-Tool is a primary manufacturer of product, with its manufacturing expertise centered around drop hammer, upsetter and press forging.

The flagship product of the Ken-Tool is the Blue Cobra.

The Blue Cobra makes removing any 22.5” and 24.5” tyres much faster, easier and safer. There are tools designed specifically to suit every job. This is good news for the tyre fitter as it removes the strain and backache and also improves your bottom line as each Ken-Tool product makes every job faster and safer.

You can visit the Tyrego.ie online store to watch the demo videos to see just how amazing these products are. They will become essential tools for anyone in the HGV tyre trade.

Tyrego.ie also stock a full range of garage equipment, tyre repair materials, workshop tools and much more.

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Get in touch to get our own territory.

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Weight limit increase for 6axle Articulated Vehicle Combinations The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has signed new Regulations into law allowing a national weight limit increase for six-axle (3+3) articulated vehicle combinations.

From 1st April 2013 owners/operators of six-axle articulated vehicle combinations will have the option of operating at a gross combination weight of 46 tonnes, instead of 44 tonnes, which represents a 2 tonne increase over the current national limit. This is subject to the vehicle combination satisfying the following standards.

Tractor units and semi-trailers already in service will require Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) in order to be allowed to operate as part of a 46 tonne combination. New tractor units first registered on or after 1st April 2013 (in addition to requiring EBS) will also need Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and new semi-trailers first licensed on or after 1st April 2013 (in addition to requiring EBS) will also need to have roll stability control.

A system has been put in place to plate vehicles operating as part of a 46-tonne combination. Before proceeding to an NSAI appointed plating centre to have a vehicle re-plated for 46 tonne operation, vehicle owners/operators must obtain a stamped/signed ‘46 tonne Declaration of Conformity” (DOC) form the original vehicle manufacturer (or his authorised Irish distributor).

This declaration will confirm that the vehicle is technically capable and is fitted with the necessary features for operation as part of a 46 tonne combination. Only then can a vehicle be plated by an NSAI appointed plating centre for operation at 46 tonnes.

Further information is available in the “Your Vehicle” section of the RSA website www.rsa.ie under the ‘Vehicle Standards’ tab.

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Total Produce profits rise Dundalk headquartered fresh food group Total Produce has reported a 19.1pc rise in profit before tax to €47.3m with revenue going up 11.2pc to €2.8bn in 2012. Growing, sourcing, importing, packaging, distributing and marketing over 200 lines of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, the Total Produce group distributes some 250 million cartons of fresh produce to the retail, wholesale, foodservice and processing sectors across Europe annually. Chairman Carl McCann said trading conditions since the start of 2013 have been “satisfactory” and that the group’s activities are well diversified across Europe, and more recently in North America and Africa. “During 2012, Total Produce acquired shareholdings in a number of companies, including Oppenheimer in North America, Frankort and Koning in the Netherlands and Capespan in South Africa. With the benefit of these and other transactions, the group is targeting adjusted earnings per share for 2013 in the range of 8 to 8.8 cent per share.” Reporting an overall increase of 10pc in its full year dividend, he added that Total Produce “continues to actively pursue further investment opportunities”.

Total Produce in Dundalk has seen a rise in profits

19

New driving licence organ donation initiative will help save lives - Burke Fine Gael Cork Senator, Colm Burke, has said the new initiative introduced by the Department of Health and the Road Safety Authority which allows drivers to indicate they are organ donors on their licence, will increase the number of donors and ultimately save lives.

“There is no doubt about the benefits of organ donation and the impact donation and transplantation have on saving lives.

As was stated today in the Seanad, the success of transplantation has, ironically, lead to organ shortages with the result that new and innovative ways of encouraging people to become donors need to be developed.

“The Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly has undertaken a number of new initiatives to highlight the importance of organ donation and to encourage take up by the public. Changes to the driving licence application form, which allow the applicant to have a code included on their licence which indicates their desire to become a donor, make it infinitely easier for people to make their wishes known.

“New driving licences that are being issued can now have the code 115 included on them, specifying the licence holder’s intentions to donate their organs in the event of their death. A similar proposal is being examined by the Department of Social Protection to include an organ donation code on Public Services Card, which will indicate likewise.

“It is often the case that people who express an interest in organ donation, recognise that even after their death their organs can help save lives, but do nothing about it in terms of getting and carrying a donation card. By making it easier for people to make their intentions know, through initiatives such as this, organ donation rates can be improved and more lives can be saved.

“It is the Government’s intention to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation, with a view to increasing the availability of organs for those who need them. This will, of course, require detailed discussions and a considerable amount of work on behalf of the Minister.

“I welcome the co-operative approach which is being taken between the National Organ Donation and Transplantation Office and the Irish Donor Network, which is comprised of a number of individuals and organisations concerned with organ transplantation, including the Irish Kidney Association, the Irish Heart and Lung Transplant Association and Irish Eye Bank.

“By continuing to make the benefits of organ transplantation known and making it as easy as possible to become donors we can dramatically reduce the number of deaths that result from organ failure. The Minister is to be commended for his work in this area and I look forward to new developments that are coming down the tracks.”

Varadkar gives insurance companies full access to penalty point database Insurance companies will soon have full access to details of serious offences which have incurred penalty points for the first time, following a decision by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar.

The new measure will give insurance companies reliable and up-to-date information from the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) on serious offences which have incurred penalty points. Insurance companies already have access to the NVDF to verify the number of penalty points incurred by individual drivers, but will now be able to determine whether an offence involved drink driving, speeding, using a mobile phone, or any of the 13 specific categories of serious offence.

The Department has reserved the right to reconsider this measure if insurance companies do not adequately reward safe drivers.

“This is about road safety, and rewarding motorists for safe behaviour. Last year was the safest on record on Irish roads, but it’s vital that we don’t let the good work go to waste. That’s why we have to keep our focus on developing new measures and new policies to keep a solid focus on road safety, and to save lives. This measure is about road safety, and rewarding motorists for safe behaviour. Later this year we will launch the new Road Safety Strategy as part of a major EU conference which will contain further measures, and which aims to make Ireland one of the best countries in the EU for road safety,” Minister Varadkar said.

The measure was included in the Road Traffic Act 2010 and passed into law when Minister Varadkar signed a Statutory Instrument late last year. By providing details of points incurred for serious offences, it has the potential to lead to lower insurance premiums for safer drivers.

There are currently 2.67 million licenced drivers in Ireland of whom 487, 000 have penalty points applied to their licence records. Some 80% of these drivers have fewer than four points .

In 2012, some 200,500 penalty point notices were issued to 179, 000 drivers. So far this year, 5,015 penalty point notices have already been issued to 4,971 drivers.

As things stand, insurance companies apply for a loading on an insurance policy according to the number of penalty points, rather than the nature of the offence. In future, insurance companies will be able to take serious offences into account when applying this loading.

The National Vehicle Driver File section of the Department of Transport has been working closely with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) to implement this measure. The IIF assisted with the cost of a new electronic platform which will allow insurance companies to obtain the necessary information. The new system will be implemented across the motor insurance sector on a phased basis over the next few months.

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Serious injury stats should be published with road fatality figures – O’Donovan Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has called on the Road Safety Authority to publish statistics of serious injuries caused in car crashes along with their annual road fatality figures. Deputy O’Donovan raised the issue in the Dáil with the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, who said it is intended to introduce the initiative.

“We have made significant strides in improving road safety in recent years. Road deaths have fallen every year since 2006, and for the fifth year in a row a new record low in fatalities was recorded in 2012.

This progress is due in no small part to the campaigns run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) aimed at educating the public on the consequences of dangerous driving. Now I think it is time to start talking about the life-changing injuries caused by road crashes.

“A serious road accident which does not cause death can still result in destruction, leaving people paralysed or with any number of life-changing injuries. If the RSA, in conjunction with the hospitals, including the National Rehabilitation Hospital, could be encouraged to produce figures on serious injuries on a yearly basis, I think it would help to drive the road safety message home even further.

“Minister Varadkar has said it is intended to implement this measure. With this in mind, he has appointed the head consultant in the National Rehabilitation Hospital to the board of the RSA. The Minister has said it is a complicated situation because, even in medicine, there is not a clear classification of injuries. But he has reassured me that it is something he wants to include in the new road safety strategy, so it is not just about fatalities, but also about life-changing injuries and how they impact on people.

“I also raised the issue of the unrealistic speed limits that are in place on many small regional or tertiary roads around the country. People are driven berserk when they turn off national primary roads onto a small road, sometimes with grass growing down the middle, when the first thing they see is an 80 km/h speed limit sign. The RSA will point out that this is not the desired speed, but the maximum allowable speed.

“While local authorities have the option of examining these speed limits, it is a cumbersome process, it is taking too long and it is doing road users a disservice. The Minister has said this problem is being considered as part of the speed limit review underway. The signs may be replaced with the previous delimiter signs, with the white circle and the grey stripe through it. . I believe that this should be looked at further by the Oireachtas Transport Committee to ensure that the default speed limit for these signs is set at an appropriate level.”

22

Ace Express Freight announced as a Best Managed Company Ace Express Freight has requalified as one of Ireland’s ‘Best Managed’ companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme.

Ace Express Freight was first recognised as a Best Managed Company in 2009. The company, which demonstrated superior business performance for a fifth year running, was recognised at a gala awards dinner in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin on 1 March 2013. Former Taoiseach and Chairman of IFSC Ireland, John Bruton, was special guest speaker at the event.

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, in association with Irish Life Corporate Business, recognises indigenous Irish companies across the island of Ireland which are operating at the highest levels of business performance.

Commenting on the award Philip Tracey, CEO,Ace Express Freightsaid: “It’s fantastic to win the award for the 5th consecutive year. It reflects very well on our staff & demonstrates our commitment to a continuous improvement philosophy which is central to meeting the standards required to win this accolade.”

Winners of the awards can apply to requalify as a Deloitte Best Managed Company for two consecutive years, following receipt of the award for the first and fourth time. Companies applying for requalification must satisfy the programme eligibility criteria and go through a requalification review process in order to ensure that they continue to uphold the standard of a Deloitte Best Managed Company. This year 51 companies, which had previously won the award, requalified.

Brendan Jennings, Managing Partner, Deloitte and judging panel member commented: “This year’s Best Managed Companies represent the best of innovation, creativity, dynamism, tenacity and excellence in the indigenous sector. Deloitte is proud to celebrate their success and potential. These awards acknowledge their hard work and commitment and we are delighted to showcase their achievements.”

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme is open to companies from all 32 counties on the island of Ireland.

Details of entry for the 2013/2014 programme will be issued in the coming weeks on www.deloittebestmanaged.ie.

The Best Managed Companies Awards Programme was created to recognise the overall success of a company, including management strength, ability to innovate, strategic initiatives and financial performance – all the elements that contribute to a Best Managed company. The ’Best Managed’ designation is an important marketing tool for the winning companies – but, perhaps most importantly, the award provides a reason to celebrate the efforts of the entire company.

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23

On-Site Refueling: the way forward Cost cutting has become an integral part of safe guarding the future of any haulage company. During these current economic times, looking at ways at saving money is an essential part of the day to day running of any business.

Hauliers have been impressed by the savings that they can make

24

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The business was established in 2008

customizing a safe and reliable fuel solution that works for you and your operation.

“Whether you have a single piece of equipment or a large fleet, On-Site On-Site Refuelling have a Refueling helps you number of trucks on the road make the most of your operating hours. With On-Site he haulage industry has Refuelling, you can: suffered more than most in Schedule fuel deliveries when it's recent times and there is a convenient for you -- days, evenings or greater emphasis on making savings weekends. Reduce downtime -- or cut than there has been for some time. down on overtime -- by starting each Of course, downtime is a phrase that shift with freshly fuelled equipment. is all too familiar in the haulage industry Eliminate the hassle of handling, and one that is avoided at all costs. refilling or tracking fuel storage on site.”

When refueling a truck is left idle and The business was established in 2008 this time could be better served by the and is based in the Northwest Business driver. That is why On-Site Refueling Park, Dublin 15 and its customer base offers a simple solution to its expands the length and breadth of customers.

Leinster.

With On-Site Refueling's service, a “The concept was simple - Reduce customer can have diesel fuel delivered operational costs by bringing the fuel to direct to its vehicles, generators or the truck instead of the truck to the fuel. construction equipment when -- and The savings were huge. Today, using where -- it's convenient for them. the basic concept that the business By eliminating the time operators and was founded upon, we have spread our drivers spend waiting to refuel their business throughout Leinster and equipment or driving to a fuelling growing nationwide. station to fill up. With On-Site According to the industry average, it Refueling, the vehicles are ready to go takes 20 minutes for a vehicle to fuel. as soon as the team arrives for their That's 20 minutes for every vehicle, shift -- which means a more productive everyday and it adds up to thousands work day. of hours every year. For example, a "With On-Site Refueling, you'll no fleet of just 30 loses over 2600 hours a longer have to worry about managing year just getting fuel. the environmental risk of on-site fuel “That's the equivalent of over one storage tanks -- or the costs of insuring hundred unproductive days in a year. and maintaining them. We'll handle Our business is labour-saving; we your day-to-day fuelling needs so that provide efficiency to our customers by you can focus on your operations,” said allowing them to use their driver On-Site Refueling managing director workforce most effectively, saving Adeola Ogunsina, who spoke to Irish labour cost and improving tachograph Trucker about the business for this month's edition of the magazine. time while maximizing driver's Whether you're a commercial or productivity.

“These kinds of fuel savings can turn industrial client, On-Site Refuelling can into very large amounts of money for take care of all your fuel needs by

T

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your entire fleet in a year. At On-site Refueling, we will ensure that the customer will get the best fuel management possible.”

Customers need fuel no matter the time or conditions. On-site refueling fuel management offers nationwide fleet fuel supply and fuel logistical support solutions dedicated to providing fast, efficient, professional response for emergency fuel situations and natural disasters.

“The driver uses a hand-held device to scan a barcode on the truck. This provides the system with specific vehicle information such as tank size and fuel type. Fueling occurs only if the driver is delivering the correct fuel type.

“A computerised delivery ticket prints on the truck when the entire fueling process is complete. Within minutes, a fleet manager can download all transactions that took place.

“Once a tank is full, on-site refueling pumping mechanism automatically shuts down until another barcode is scanned, this protects you against non registered vehicle fill ups and ensure accurate filling. When the delivery is completed all the data from each transaction is automatically transferred to the On-site refueling information server which immediately shows up on your fuel account on the web, our in cab printer produces your delivery ticket and your drivers are good to go.

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25

MAN Truck & Bus Centre is an impressive sight

Just the MAN for the job MAN Importers Ireland Ltd. has been Ireland’s sole importer and distributor of MAN trucks and buses for the past 19 years. Irish Trucker popped into their Oak Road Business Park base in Dublin 12 and got an insight into the successful running of the business from their award-winning workshop foreman Eddie Shorten.

M

AN Importers Ireland was in the news towards the end of the 2012 calendar year when their longserving workshop foreman Eddie Shorten was recognised by Fleet Transport’s prestigious Technician of the Year award. Eddie oversees a professional and efficient operation at the company’s base just off the M50, where – in addition to sales – a comprehensive servicing, repairs,

26

spare parts and DOE-testing service is provided.

While the recession has obviously had a major effect on the sale of new trucks nationwide, Eddie is pleased to report that MAN Importers Ireland are ticking along nicely, especially in the servicing / repairs end of things: “It’s quiet for everybody but we are holding our own. Sales are quiet but we are busy in the workshop. MAN would still be one of

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Eddie Shorten is presented with Technician of the Year award at the Fleet Transport Awards

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

the most popular trucks in Ireland and there is still some demand for new models, but we find that more and more people are looking for used models or are spending money improving their existing trucks. We have a good reputation for workmanship here at MAN Importers Ireland, so thankfully we are getting a lot of that work.”

Over the years, MAN Importers Ireland always provided a superb backup service and they are now reaping the rewards of that careful attention to customer care, with a steady flow of business from customers old and new.

As workshop foreman, Eddie does all the troubleshooting and ensures that all vehicles leave the garage in pristine condition.

“All our work would be MAN-approved and we use the latest technology and equipment. This workshop was custombuilt and there has been ongoing investment to make sure we can provide the best service possible.

“There are six of us working here in the workshop and, even though the working hours are 8:30 – 17:00, we never see a customer stuck so we often work late to get a truck back on the road and we also have a 24-hour call-up service. We also do DOEs, so it’s a one-stop shop under one roof.”

A member of the OHM Group, MAN Importers Ireland Ltd. is the exclusive distributor of MAN commercial vehicles in Ireland.

The OHM Group specialises in the exclusive distribution of internationally-recognised brands and prestige products, its activities including the importation and distribution of motor cars, commercial vehicles, buses, materials handling equipment, generators and engines.

Since its inception in 1994, MAN Importers Ireland has

27

shes To Best Wi ers Ireland, port MAN Im From

NEWTOWN TRUCKS LTD Main MAN Dealers

Sales • Service• Parts | Analogue & Digital Tachograph Center Vehicle Plating | Speed Limiter Installation & Inspection Truck Cam Computerised | Wheel Alignment Newtown Trucks Ltd, Main St., Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal

Tel: (074) 91 56789 • Fax: (074) 91 56666 Email: newtowntrucks@eircom.net

Best Wishes To MAN Importers Ireland, From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To MAN Importers Ireland, From

DENNEHY COMMERCIALS LTD. Main

Dealer In Munster

SALES | SERVICE | PARTS APPROVED VTN TEST CENTRE Naas Industrial Estate, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: 00 353 45 875589 | Fax: 00 353 45 875786 Email: monread@eircom.net Continued Good Wishes To All At MAN Importers Ireland, from

O’REILLY COMMERCIALS

Riverside Park, Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 229900 | Fax: 061 302207 Email: info@dennehycommercials.com www.dennehycommercials.com Best Wishes To MAN Importers Ireland, From MATTY KEANE

Athenry Truck & Refrigeration Centre Ltd

LTD.

Ballinalack, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044-9371360. Fax: 044-9371534

MAIN MAN AGENTS FROM MIDLANDS TO NORTH WEST Sales & Service • Approved VTN Test Centre • Suppliers and Installers of Tachographs and Speed Limiters

Agents for MAN & ISUZU IN WEST OF IRELAND Service & Repairs Of All Light & Heavy Commercial Vehicles Tysaxon, Athenry, Co. Galway Tel: 091 849375 Fax: 091 849411 Mobile: 087 2609497 2miles outside Athenry on the Monivea Road

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

28

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The Oak Road Business Park base of MAN Importers Ireland Ltd

developed a reputation for providing customers with high quality trucks and a superb back-up service. In 2001, the OHM Group opened its state-ofthe-art premises for MAN adjacent to the M50 motorway - at Oak Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12. This facility offers sales, spare parts and service, as well as DOE facilities and - coupled with its superior nationwide dealer network has enabled MAN to provide its Irish customers with the highest level of service and quality spare parts.

MAN Importers Ireland supplies the most modern, up-to-date technology in the short- and long-distance truck market today, ranging from the 7.5 tonne TGL models all the way through to 44 tons. Quality, innovative technology and customer focus have formed the basis of MAN’s success for over a century.

MAN Truck & Bus - one of the leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles in Europe with production facilities in four European countries and in India - sets the standards in national and international heavy-duty long-haul transport, while its solutions for heavy-duty and building site traffic are robust, economical and reliable.

Meanwhile, its short-haul and distribution transport vehicles satisfy IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

all the requirements for efficient transport solutions in inner-city and regional transport. MAN’s core values are reliability, innovation, dynamics and openness and it delivers on these time and time again.

On picking up the Technician of the Year award for 2012, Eddie notes: “It was my first time to win something like that and I suppose it was good for the business in that it generated a bit of publicity and free advertising. I’ve been with MAN since 1993 and had been with DAF, which is also part of the OHM Group, prior to that, since 1988.” Eddie started out working on reception during the summer of 1977 with Smithfield Motor Co. on the Naas Road. He got the bug and has been in the motor trade ever since.

Looking to the future for MAN Importers Ireland Ltd. and the truck industry in general, he concludes: “I think the economy has already hit rock bottom and we are now levelling out, if not starting to climb again. The main problem is that people are finding it very difficult to get money out of the banks, so they can’t buy new trucks.

“Instead, they are getting work done on their old trucks and that’s keeping us busy. Unfortunately, however, a lot of the trucks that do come in these

days are in a right state and it would make better financial sense for the owner to keep them right with a sixweek check-up. If you keep on top of things, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary added expenses, like parts etc. It would save them money in the long run. Running maintenance is best – if you let something go too far then it’s a much bigger job.

“We can also source second-hand trucks for our customers, once we know exactly what they are looking for. Through MAN’s breakdown service, we have developed strong links with other dealers in the network and we can bring in high-quality used trucks from the UK.”

CONTACT DETAILS MAN Importers Ireland Ltd. Oak Close, Oak Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12.

Tel: 01 419 1300 Fax: 01 419 1370 24-Hour Emergency: 087 2671769 Email: enquiries@mantrucks.ie

29

Global Tyres, The Ramparts, Dundalk, Co. Louth

A service you’ll never tyre of Celebrating its 25th anniversary in February 2013, Global Tyres has forged a stellar reputation for itself by providing exceptional quality products allied to excellent levels of customer service. To coincide with the company’s newfound Michelin Certified Centre status, Irish Trucker caught up with Simon Allen to get an insight into this outstanding operation, which boasts state-of-the-art depots in Dundalk, County Louth and Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

Global Tyres, Mullinary, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan

30

ver the past quarter of a century, Global Tyres has established itself as a market leader throughout the north east in its chosen field of expertise. Providing sales, service and distribution of all leading tyre brands – including Michelin, Bridgestone, Semperit, Pirelli, Dunlop, Goodyear, Continental etc. – Global Tyres offers a full range of retail and wholesale services comprising tyre fitting, puncture repairs, wheel balancing, wheel alignment and tracking as well as brake pad, light, battery and exhaust replacement.

Between its outlets in Dundalk and Carrickmacross, Global

O

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The car wash at Global Tyres in Dundalk

Simon Allen of Global Tyres

Tyres employs a crew of 16 (counting full-time and part-time staff members) who can provide solutions to all tyre problems in a matter of minutes. An ultra-fast-fit service is provided and a wholesale tyre service is available to garages, workshops and fleet operators throughout the north east, with nextday delivery guaranteed.

As well as specialising in tyres, Global Tyres can do just about everything to ensure that vehicles’ lights, brakes, batteries and exhausts are fully functional and performing to the optimum level possible.

A 24-hour breakdown service is also provided and Global Tyres pride themselves on never seeing anybody stuck!

Both depots have been upgraded to an exceptional level of customer comfort and this was instrumental late last year in Global Tyres being one of eleven tyre specialists to become an IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

official Michelin Certified Centre (thereby have their standard of service recognised by the world’s leading tyre manufacturer).

Global Tyres tailors its service to literally anyone who uses tyres on their vehicles or machines – cars, jeeps, vans, trucks, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, forklifts etc. etc. They also stock a wide range of alloy wheels, while customers also have the option of opting for budget tyres if they so desire, though Simon is keen to point out that major brand tyres – though constituting a more substantial initial investment – represent better value for money in the long run as they last longer and are also safer.

Global Tyres was established at The Ramparts in Dundalk,

County Louth in February, 1988. That original depot now comprises a fourbay operation, while the sister operation, which was opened at Mullinary, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan eighteen years ago, has

A truck tyre is fitted Mickey Kerley heads off on an emergency call

31

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Global Tyres, from

Cavan Office: 049 437 5990 - Dublin Office: 01 820 0777 Stockists Of

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Global Tyres, From

Best Wishes To Global Tyres, From Rathkeale Ind. Est., Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Tel: +353 69 64899 Fax: +353 69 64774 / 64130 Email: info@dalytyres.com

Accountants – Tax Advisors – Auditors FDW House,Blackthorn Business Park Coes Road, Dundalk Co. Louth.

Tel: +353 42 9339955 Fax: +353 42 9339400 Email: info@fdw.ie | www.fdw.ie We are pleased to be a tyre supplier to Global Tyres & wish them continued success for the future

www.dalytyres.com

DEPOT LOCATIONS Armagh • Dungannon • Saintfield Belfast • L/derry Castleblayney • Dublin

Tel: +44 (0)28 37510666 Best Wishes To Simon Allen & Global Tyres, From

Best Wishes To Global Tyres , From All At

Head Office 1 South City Link Road, Cork T: 021 431 3900 | F: 021 431 5999 Email: info@hanovertyres.com Est 1968 DEPOTS NATIONWIDE

www.hanovertyres.com 32

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

All makes of tyres are stocked at Global Tyres

three bays. Both outlets have one thing in common – the strong emphasis on quality service is second to none.

A 24-hour call-out service is provided seven days a week and prices remain keen, though Simon stresses that service is every bit as important, if not more so: “When you’re talking about commercial vehicles, where the performance of the vehicle is absolutely vital, reliability and service are at least as important as price. Everybody likes a good deal but, at the end of the day, there’s no point in being cheap if you can’t back it up with good service.

“We also pride ourselves on the quality of the products we sell. We are the main Continental and Michelin agent for the north east and we would always point out to our customers that the top brands give better fuel economy, which is going to serve them better in the long term.”

The tyre business has certainly changed a lot in the 25 years since the genesis of Global Tyres and the company has managed to remain competitive and relevant by moving with the times. As Simon Allen notes: “People had this perception in the

The reception/waiting room in Carrickmacross

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

past that tyres were black and round, that they go on the wheel and that’s the end of it. But they are now becoming more conscious of what tyres they should put on their vehicles. The way things have gone, with money being so tight across the board, fuel efficiency is a very big thing now and if there’s money to be saved by having the right tyre then people will generally go for that. The rolling resistance of a tyre is very important and consumers are becoming more educated in this area.”

Speaking of consumers, a Global Tyres customer in 2013 is very much a spoilt customer. The emphasis on customer comfort both at The Ramparts and Mullinary is a major one and waiting rooms have been incorporated in both centres to make them more accessible.

Complementary hot drinks are provided and there is a play area for children. Customer toilet facilities are kept in immaculate condition and free Wi-fi is available in both waiting rooms.

“Our facilities for customers are superb and we went straight through the audit process to become Michelinapproved. There are certain things that have to be in place but we passed with flying colours. We received a distinction for our excellent customer service,” Simon recalls proudly.

“We also made the Top Five shortlist in the 2012 Semperit Retailer of the Year awards and were awarded a certificate for excellence in retail with a particular emphasis on outstanding customer service.”

Even with an exemplary 25-year track record, Simon realises that the past will count for nothing if Global

A pre-NCT light adjust check

Tyres take their eye off the ball: “You have to look after your customers.

Once you let one customer down, that’s the beginning of the end. We will never let anybody down. Service is paramount here and – through our contacts – we can offer commercial fleet operators a 24-hour breakdown service throughout Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.”

This is going to be a landmark year for Global Tyres. One gets the distinct impression that there are many more to come!

CONTACT DETAILS Global Tyres The Ramparts, Dundalk, County Louth.

Tel: 042 9334815 / 9332872 Fax: 042 9330200 Mullinary, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

Tel: 042 9664069 / 9664068 Fax: 042 9662233 Mobile:087 2626274 Email: sales@globaltyres.ie / simon@globaltyres.ie

33

The company operates a fleet of 24 trucks

Fifteen years a-growing Noel Hanley Transport is celebrating 15 years in business and what better time to profile the Cork-based groupage specialist.

The Cork-based firm is celebrating 15 years in business

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

S

ince 1998, Noel Hanley Transport has been providing customers with an unrivalled international transport service.

Specialising in groupage, the company is run by Noel Hanley and his wife Lorraine from its Little Island base close to the Jack Lynch Tunnel on the outskirts of Cork city. Built on integrity and taking pride in what it does, Noel Hanley Transport offers a professional and personal service that is totally dedicated to the individual needs of its clients. By offering a daily service to the Continent, the company has the wherewithal to move your cargo from Ireland to any part of Europe.

Noel Hanley Transport’s experience and dedication enables it to provide all the services you need to deliver your product in a professional, personal and cost-effective manner. No job is too big or too small for this progressive family-run firm which continues to go from strength to strength in the face of one of the worst recessions this country has ever known.

“We’ve gone through hardship over the past few years, but we’re still here thanks to our willingness to go the extra mile for our customers. The majority of them have been with us from the very start and I’d like to thank them for their continued support,” says Noel.

“The reason why they have stuck by us is because we never let them down. This is a very competitive business and you can’t allow your standards to drop. We will always go to great lengths to look after our customers whose business we appreciate very much. If you can’t keep them happy, you won’t last long in this game.”

Noel Hanley Transport has come a long way since Noel took delivery of his first truck in 2002. The company now employs 18 staff, including three part-time, and operates a fleet of 24 trucks. The fleet is dominated

by Scania, but Noel also has five DAF trucks on the road. He buys his IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Scanias from AOC Commercials in Carrigtwohill and his DAFs from DAF Truck Services in Cork. While Noel employs his own maintenance man, the bigger and more complicated repairs are carried out by AOC Commercials.

“It’s nice to think we have gotten this far. Fifteen years is a good milestone to reach in the current economic climate,” he continues.

“A lot of businesses have come and gone in that time and we’ve felt the pinch like everyone else. Spiralling fuel costs and low rates have placed the biggest burden on transport companies. The price of fuel has levelled off somewhat in recent times, but it’s still ridiculously high in my opinion.

“Going out of business isn’t an option for somebody like me. I’ve been around trucks all my life – my father ran a fruit and veg business – and I know nothing else. Besides, my staff, Lorraine and I have worked far too hard to let things go.”

Landbridge Logistics, whose Cork depot is located in Little Island Industrial Estate, were Noel Hanley Transport’s first customers, and they have remained loyal customers to this day. The company’s biggest customer is Johnston Logistics in Rathcoole. Co. Dublin. Noel has nine trucks dedicated to Johnston Logistics, who operate a comprehensive network service.

Other valued clients include Castleblayney, Co. Monaghanbased Carna Transport, who specialise in the efficient and secure transportation of goods to and from the Continent, DSV Ireland Ltd in Naas, Co, Kildare, who are global transport and logistics specialists, and Nightline Logistics in Dublin, who provide a worldwide courier service.

DHL Express in Cork was also a good customer of Noel’s until its closure two years ago.

“Johnston Logistics have been our main customers since 2002. The work we get from – which mainly involves the transportation of hazardous waste and associated products – is the mainstay of our business really. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the likes of Landbridge Logistics, Carna Transport, Nightline Logistics and DSV for their custom down through the years. If it wasn’t for these customers, we wouldn’t be here.”

A selection of the Noel Hanley Transport fleet

35

Noel Hanley Transport specialises in groupage

Noel is full of praise for his drivers, many of who have been on his books for the past decade.

“I would like to pay tribute to our drivers for the role they have played in our company’s growth and success.

They are highly-experienced and reliable drivers who enjoy an excellent relationship with our customers. Most of them have the same routes all of the time, so they are dealing with the same people and it’s important that they have a good rapport with them.

“The majority of our drivers have been with us for eight-to-10 years and are very good at what they do. They also receive training for the handling of hazardous materials, which is relevant to the contract we have with Johnston Logistics.”

Noel Hanley Transport also specialised in warehousing until a couple of years ago when he decided to concentrate almost exclusively on groupage.

“It was more hassle than it was

will go wherever the business is and if worth,” he explains. that means expanding our service “The biggest problem we had with further on the Continent, then so be having warehouse facilities was we it,” he concludes. often found ourselves left with goods For more information about Noel after companies went bust. Needless Hanley Transport, telephone 021 to say, we never got paid for this work.

4355269 or why not call into Noel or It caused a lot of headaches and that Lorraine at Rohan Industrial Estate, is why we do very little warehousing Little Island, Cork. work now.”

Despite the difficulties his company has faced in recent years, Noel is Wishing Continued Success To looking to the NOEL HANLEY TRANSPORT For All Your Oil Requirements future with HOME HEATING OIL optimism.

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These trucks are a familiar sight on Irish and European roads

36

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Battling the odds The recession and, in particular, the impact it is having on funding for road development and repairs, is posing serious challenges for local authorities as Carlow County Council’s Director of Transportation & Emergency Services Dan McInerney explains.

I

n his 20-plus years with Carlow County Council, Dan McInerney has never seen anything like the current restrictions on funding for road works within the county.

The primary objective of the Council’s Roads Department is to provide and maintain a roads network to support economic and social development, but this is proving to be no easy task in the current economic climate.

“The big talking point is the lack of money,” says Dan, who has been Carlow County Council’s Director of Transportation & Emergency Services since 2009.

“Most of our funding comes from the NRA (National Roads Authority) and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, and their allocations for 2013 have been significantly decreased. This has serious implications for us in trying Carlow County Council Director of Transporation to meet the requirements of the public in & Emergency Services terms of road maintenance and Dan McInerney improvements. Every other County Council is in the same boat and it’s a the county’s road network. case of trying to make your resources “Our roads are predominantly County go further.” and Regional roads. The motorist who The road network in Co. Carlow uses these roads understandably consists of 24km of motorway, 54km of expects them to be as good as the main national roads, 187km of regional roads roads, which get the majority of the and 949km of local roads. A total of 76 funding. That leaves us with a difficult people are employed in the Roads balancing act which is always a Department, including six in Head challenge to get right, but we must Office, 12 in the four Area Offices and 58 prioritise the spending of public funds in outdoor staff. order to get best value-for-money.”

The opening of the M9 Motorway, Carlow County Council’s decision to which links Dublin to Waterford, has been a significant boost to the people of Carlow who are now within an hour’s drive of the capital. The N80 is another important archery which runs through the county. It links the Midlands and West with the Port of Rosslare. But regional and local roads still Athy Road reconstruction in Carlow account for the bulk of IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

invest heavily in tarmacking providing macadam overlays on its regional roads before and during the Celtic Tiger years has clearly stood them in good stead. In 2011, the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport and the National Roads Authority commissioned PMS Pavement Management Services to carry out a pavement condition study of the entire Irish Regional road network. The study, which involved the use of machine surveys to collect road condition data, skid resistance data and digital imagery on the Regional road network, deemed Carlow’s regional roads to be the third best in the country.

“From the late 1990s, we carried out extensive improvements to our Regional road surfaces and that has paid dividends for us. We came out of that study in a very positive light. That meant a lot to us, especially as our Senior Engineer, Liam Fitzgerald, had worked with other Local Authority Senior Engineers and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport in putting the study in place. The study was a scientific way of assessing the condition of our roads in order to best make decisions on spending and strive towards the continual objective of achieving best value for money,” explains Dan. Carlow County Council’s Roads Department employs a part-time Road Safety Officer to advise the public on road safety matters and to coordinate road safety campaigns.

The Council has also successfully carried out a number of Low Cost Safety Improvement projects in recent years.

The pursuit and promotion of road safety is also dependent on other agencies such as the Road Safety Authority, the Department of the Environment, Heritage &

37

Best Wishes To Carlow County Council From

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Tel: 059 914 8984 Fax: 059 914 8989 Mob: 086 264 7990 E: info@otoolecomposting.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Carlow County Council, From

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Green Lane overlay and remarking in Carlow

Carlow Town and Central Area Engineer Brian O’Donovan

General Services Supervisor James Grogan

Local Government, the National Roads Authority, An Garda Siochana and school authorities. It is also widely acknowledged that road safety is critically dependent on public support and the attitudes and behaviour of individual road users.

Carlow County Council carries out a range of improvements to enhance safety on the road network. In the case of new road projects, of which there are very few in progress at present, a safety audit is undertaken to identify potential hazards. In relation to existing roads, accident records and road safety expertise are utilised to identify hazardous locations. The safety of these locations are then improved by various road safety engineering measures such as sight distance improvements, road delineation or signage and traffic control measures.

Dan’s remit also covers emergency IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

and severe weather situations. During severe weather, the Council provides vital information to the general public.

The public can log onto www.winterready.ie or www.carlow.ie for advice from a number of sources, including Government Departments, An Garda Siochana, the Health Service Executive and transport providers.

The Council has also recently launched an official alerter on MapAlerter.com. This means that if you live or work in Co. Carlow, you can request the Council to send you alerts – free of charge – via SMS Text Message and Email in relation to notifications and events occurring in your locality.

“Getting the message out quickly and promptly to the public is a priority of ours,” says Dan. Carlow Local Authorities (Carlow County Council, Carlow Town Council and Bagenalstown Town Council) are the administrative body with responsibility for local government in Co. Carlow. They play an active role in the development of the county's industrial, business, social, arts, heritage and cultural affairs. Carlow Local Authorities are very conscious of the need to ensure that their services and strategies are pursued in a manner that produces a high degree of customer satisfaction. They urge all members of the public to exercise their rights and contact them with any comments or complaints. Carlow Local Authorities encourage you to become involved in your Local Authority, vote for and get to know your elected officials as this will enable you to voice your concerns to the appropriate representatives.

A native of Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Dan McInerney joined Carlow County Council in 1985. He has since held a

number of positions within the Council, including Roads Construction Engineer and Carlow Town Engineer from 1991 to ‘96. He is heavily involved with his local GAA club Eire Og, who won every major football championship in Carlow last year with the exception of the intermediate championship.

Palatine road surface dressing

The Carlow urban inner-relief road

39

The M&M show M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services Ltd. has been providing an exceptional service to customers in the North East and beyond for the past eight years. Irish Trucker caught up with owner Paddy Farrell to take a closer look at this outstanding Drogheda, County Louth based business.

M&M Recovery to the rescue

40

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The fleet is maintained to an exceptional standard

T

he premier breakdown / recovery operator in the Drogheda area, M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services Ltd. was established in 2005 by Martin Caffrey and John McCormack. In 2011, when the former became unwell, Paddy Farrell bought him out. The new proprietor reflects: “I had worked here for a few years and then I decided to take over two years ago when Martin became ill. I run the show now and thankfully Martin is doing well, too.”

As to the nature of the service provided, the clue is very much in the company name, as Paddy confirms: “We provide a full breakdown and recovery service, catering for all vehicles including artics, HGVs etc.

We cover the whole North East region but you would regularly find yourself working nationwide. If you make a pick-up in Drogheda, you might have to bring that vehicle to Cork, Kerry or Galway, so we have a nationwide presence. But most of the work would be within a 25-mile radius of Drogheda, including Dundalk, Ardee, Balbriggan and Skerries.”

M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services Ltd. employs three people full time as well as providing some part-time work. The fleet comprises five customised Isuzu trucks plus one service van, all of which are maintained in immaculate working order at all times to ensure the provision of a reliable, efficient and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

secure service.

Of course, deploying a trusty fleet, employing experienced staff and providing an excellent level of service will only get you so far these days. The fact of the matter is that Ireland is grappling with one of the worst economic downturns in living memory and the transport sector has been particularly hard hit. Even when a company is doing everything it should be doing, there is still no guarantee of success.

While Paddy and the crew at M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services Ltd. are ticking over, they’re certainly not shooting to the top of the Forbes Rich List. “Business is up and down,” says Paddy. “Every day is different and you just take each day as it comes.

“We have enough work to keep us going but you could always be doing with a bit more. You have to stay on your toes. You wait for the phone to ring and when it does ring you have to be ready to spring into action.”

Most vehicle owners who call in will obviously be hoping to have their vehicle fixed up on site without the need to tow it to a garage. To what extent is this possible? “The first thing you do when you get to the broken down vehicle is try to get it up and running again. If the vehicle can be repaired safely at the side of the road, then we will do that. I’d say we get seven out of ten vehicles up and running again fairly quickly, but obviously this isn’t always possible. At this time of year we seem to get a lot of flat batteries and punctures and these can be fixed up in double quick time.

Vehicles that can’t be restarted on the

spot will be towed to a garage and we also make sure we look after the occupants of the vehicle. I will never leave anybody stranded at the side of the road.

“We have a crew cab with a special lift and we are the only recovery operator in Drogheda to have one of these. This means that if there are five people in the broken down car, we can bring them all with us in the crew cab. It’s a nice extra service to be able to provide.”

M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services Ltd. is on call 24/7 and handles all kinds of vehicles, from a motorbike up to a HGV. As well as roadside recovery, they also specialise in beach recovery. In addition to the crew cab, Paddy and John oversee four tilt-and-slide lorries, which can accommodate literally any type of vehicle.

When it comes to fleet maintenance, M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services handle 90% of the work themselves, while McConnon Recovery in Ardee – with whom they enjoy a good working relationship – looks after the rest.

Word of mouth is very important in spreading the company’s good reputation but how else does M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services get its name ‘out there’? “We work for most of the insurance companies and garages in Drogheda. We don’t advertise a lot but we find that Golden Pages is very effective. A lot of work comes through them. We’re also on the internet. We don’t have a website but if you Google ‘recovery in County Louth’, our name will come up and that works very well.”

During the eight years since the

Ready to roll

41

Best Wishes To M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services From

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MURPHY & CO

Recovering a motorbike

company’s inception, there have been a lot of changes in the recovery sector. “Things have changed a lot, particularly in recent years,” Paddy confirms. “We are finding that everybody who rings in is looking for a price first and foremost. The first thing they want to know is how much it’s going to cost. Then they might tell you that another lad - who isn’t fully insured – will do it for less.

“We are fully insured and are PAS 43 approved and hold all the relevant waste permits etc. Everything is in place, but it can be hard to compete with people who aren’t insured. The price of fuel is another problem, but everyone is in the same boat.”

Looking to the future, Paddy is quietly confident: “Things are moving forward, slowly. We are constantly looking for new contracts but we held our own last year and have had a good start to 2013.

We’re tipping along and we’re lucky in that any equipment we have is bought and paid for, so we don’t owe any money.

“We have an exceptional track record and are in the Top Ten in the AA for recovery time rates. 80% of our work comes through them. I know there’s a temptation to just phone a friend when your vehicle breaks down but people don’t realise that you can get penalty points for towing a car with a rope.

It’s always better to spend the few euro and have the job done properly and safely by experts. Also, a lot of people have recovery costs included in their comprehensive insurance and don’t even realise it.

“We’re working closely with McConnon Recovery in Ardee. Everybody works hand in hand now.

That’s the way forward.

People need to stick together.”

Best Wishes To M&M Recovery & Breakdown Services From

EANNA O’BRIEN

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

26A Magdalene Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: 041 983 1771 | 041 984 5504 | Fax: 041 983 8561 Email: murphydrogheda@eircom.net 42

COVERING THE NORTH DUBLIN REGION

Tel: 086 1916582 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t miss the Bus The Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland is 30 years in existence in 2013. CEO Gerry Mullins spoke to Irish Trucker about the behind the scenes work the Council does on behalf of the country’s independent coach and private bus operators. transport services, both under contract to Bus Eireann and under contract to schools or families.

CTTC members operate upwards of 1,000 coaches and buses and employ close to 1,750 people throughout the country. This means their combined fleet is equivalent to that of Dublin Bus, and close to double that of Bus Eireann.

The CTTC provides representation and leadership not only for our own members, but also for the wider private coach and bus operator community.

So what are the main issues facing the CTTC and its members at this point in time?

“In public transport, for instance, we are seeking a greater share of the public transport mix while the price of fuel is a major issue for our coach operators, indeed it is a major issue throughout all our enterprises.”

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadker was the guest speaker at the Council’s Bridgestone Gala Ball which was organised for the first night of the Council’s Coach & Bus Show; which was held in the RDS last November.

Minister Varadker more or less said that he sees our point of view, that there should be more public transport licenses issued to private operators but that CIE was here to stay and that both had to be balanced,” Gerry said.

The aforementioned Coach & Bus Show 2012 – sponsored by Campion Insurance - was “a great success”, according to Gerry. The Show has been the largest and most successful event in the coach and bus sectors since 2000.

CTTC welcomes new members and aims to become a unifying and strong voice for all familyA CTTC group on a visit to the owned private coach and bus Sunsundegui coach factory in Spain

he Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) is the representative body for Ireland's coach touring companies and Ireland's private bus operators. The Council promotes Ireland's top independent coach hire operators.

Its members are experts in all types of coach hire and transport solutions including: airport transfers, day tours, extended touring, incentive travel, golf tours, school transport and scheduled services.

The CTTC has approximately 65 member companies from all over the Republic of Ireland.

Gerry Mullins has been the CEO of Coach Tourism & Transport Council the CTTC since May 2009 and is of Ireland CEO Gerry Mullins based at the organisation’s head office on D’Olier Street in Dublin. regulations surrounding Ireland's public “Our main objective is to represent transport system slowly become members interests at all appropriate liberalised. levels to all external bodies on matters Members have been at the cutting relating to the coach tourism and public edge in the transformation of inter-urban transport industries,” Gerry explained. and local public transport by road over Thirty years after its inception in 1983, the last quarter of a century and have the Association continues to grow from always provided safe, efficient and strength to strength. great-value transport services.

Its members are engaged in many They do this without State subvention aspects of tourism, from day tours to while many of their competitors are extended touring, and private hire. subvented.

Increasingly, their members are Many of their members provide school engaged in scheduled services, as the

T

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

43

Best Wishes To CTTC, From

www.kennedycoaches.com Kerry’s longest established coach company Providing a reliable, friendly & professional service. We have a fleet of modern coaches to ensure that your journey is as comfortable & enjoyable as possible.

Main Street., Annascaul, Tralee, Co Kerry Phone: +353 66 915 7106 Fax: +353 66 915 7427

Continued Best Wishes To CTTC, From

Continued best wishes to the Coach Tourism and Transport Council

Best Wishes To CTTC

Best Wishes & Continued Success To CTTC, From

Martin’s of Limerick Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Co. Limerick

Tel : + 353 61 333100 Mannings Coaches, Croom, Co. Limerick.

Phone: 00 353 61 397311 Fax: 00 353 61 397931 Email: info@manningscoaches.com

www.manningscoaches.com Wishing Continued Success To CTTC, From

Donnellys Coaches

Coach Hire Specialists

F : + 353 61 333102 E: martinscoach@eircom.net

www.martinscoaches.ie Continued Best Wishes To CTTC, From

O’Connor Bus Hire

Est. 1927

Barrack Street, Granard, Co. Longford.

Tel: 043 66 86540 | Fax: 043 66 86653 Mobile: 086 8297341 Email: donnellyscoaches@gmail.com 44

Castlelawn, Kilbrittain, Co. Cork Tel: 023 8849596 | 087 6167835 Fax: 023 8849481 | www.oconnorbushire.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Feargal Barton of Barton Transport who was MC at the CTTC’s Bridgestone Gala Ball, presenting Cheryl Halpenny of Halpenny Transport with flowers after she organised the event A CTTC group visit to Bunratty

operators in Ireland.

There are plans in the pipeline to expand its membership base.

Gerry – who previously worked as Communications Manager with The Green Party - revealed: “We still have to decide but we are on the cusp of rethinking our model. Up to now, membership has been restricted to the larger coach operators, those with a fleet of two or more coaches.

“As time goes by we are beginning to consider the merits of bringing in smaller, mini-bus operators. If we decide on a plan I expect the association to expand rapidly in 2013.

“There are valid arguments for retaining a smaller focus but there will be detailed discussions and I’m sure we’ll come up with a solution that is best for the organisation.”

The CTTC is the 'go to' organisation when Government or other agencies

CTTC representatives at the launch of CTTC report before handing it into Government in 2011. From left: James McGinley, Paddy Matthews, Gerry Mullins, Paddy Kavanagh, Jimmy Kelly, David McConn

want to engage with its sectors.

Anyone who would like to have a say in the important issues that face their individual company, and the independent coach and private bus industry, will need to join the CTTC.

Best Wishes To CTTC, From

Contact Details Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland 4th Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

CTTC Chair James McGinley and head of Campion Insurance Jim Campion at the launch of the Campion Insurance Coach & Bus Show in August

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Phone: +353 (0)86-0209727 Email: gerry@cttc.ie Website: www.cttc.ie

45

Coillte brings significant savings to timber hauliers Coillte is at the forefront of a new collaborative project in the Irish forestry sector whereby new GPS and fuel management technology installed in timber haulage trucks will reduce fuel consumption by 5%. In real terms, this means cost savings of approximately €230,000 per year. Irish Trucker takes a closer look at this innovative new venture.

I

n partnership with timber haulage contractors and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Coillte is reducing the amount of fuel being used to move logs from forests to customers under the Government’s Better Energy Programme.

At the time of writing, new GPS and fuel management technology had already been installed in the first 160 trucks in the Irish timber haulage fleet, with a further 180 signed up and expected to be fitted out by mid-2013. This technology

46

will provide timber hauliers with information on energy usage and will assist them in reducing fuel consumption.

By installing the new technology – which has been provided by Galway company Blue Tree Systems - timber hauliers are expected to realise minimum energy savings of 5% - or the equivalent of 2GWh - on an annual basis. This equates to a reduction of an estimated 189,000 litres of diesel, with an expected cost saving of approximately €230,000.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

At the announcement that Coillte are installing GPS and fuel management technology are, l/r: David Gunning, CEO Coillte Teo; Minister Pat Rabbitte and Dr Brian Motherway, CEO SEAI

The environment is another winner as the projected reduction in fuel consumption represents an annual saving of 508,000kgs of C02.

All load documentation will be created electronically on the in-cab computer, eliminating the need for paper dockets and docket boxes in the forest.

The project is being funded 45% by Coillte, 35% by the SEAI and 20% by the hauliers themselves. There are currently approximately 340 trucks operating in the timber haulage sector and the long-term objective is to have them all using this technology in order to optimise energy efficiencies.

Coillte’s project manager Mick Fenton reflects on the genesis of the mutuallybeneficial scheme: “We had three meetings with timber hauliers nationwide, where they informed us of their particular requirements. It was a joint approach from the beginning and they quickly saw the benefits of having this technology on board.

“We then went to tender for the provision of the GPS and fuel management technology and Blue Tree Systems won that. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland also came on board.

“The grant aid came through in early August and we let the hauliers know

that we were ready to roll the equipment out. As of this year, for hauliers who are providing direct haulage to Coillte, one of the conditions of contract will be that they have to have this technology on board.”

Not that this should present any sort of problem, as the savings being made render the installation a no-brainer, while generous subsidisation of the venture by Coillte and the SEAI mean that the haulier only has to pay a small percentage of the cost of entry: “The haulier only foots 20% of the cost of installation,” Mick confirms. Coillte (45%) and the SEAI (35%) are paying for the rest. The system costs €2,500 per truck to install, which means the haulier is getting the equipment for just €500 per truck. It’s a serious bargain for technology of this scale and Blue Tree Systems are running workshops etc. to highlight the benefits of it.

“Truck performance and driver behaviour are key. The operator has full access to where his truck is and what it’s doing. Everything is being monitored in real time and also recorded. The operator has full access to this information 24/7 and he has the comfort of knowing where his equipment is – or was - at any given time.”

Trevor Durnin, Blue Tree Systems; Mick Fenton, Coillte Woodflow Distribution Manager; David Gunning, CEO Coillte Teo; Gerry McMorrow, McMorrow Haulage Dowra Co Leitrim

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

47

Continued Best Wishes To Coillte From

Best Wishes To Coillte From

MORRIS LIAM MURPHY LIAM Haulage Ltd TRANSPORT

Ballygar, Co. Galway Contact Liam On

Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.

087 2588928

E: liammorris@topmail.ie Continued Best Wishes To Coillte, From

Michael Burke TIMBER & LOWLOADER HAULAGE

Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Tel: 087 2567428

Wishing Continued Success To Coillte From

Padraig Thomas Haulage Errew, Castlebar, Co. Mayo โ ข Tel: 087 652 1118

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coillte, From

Wishing Coillte Every Success In The Future From

Goldspeed Transport Ltd

Specialising In Timber & Bulk-Feed Haulage 10 Aylsbury Court, Ballincollig, Co. Cork Office: (021 4873798 Richard: (086) 2536553 Fionรกn: (087) 2577145 Email: hickeyr@eircom.net

GroundCONTROL Ltd Best Wishes To Coillte Now And For The Future Grannagh Business Complex, Grannagh, Waterford.

Tel: 051 870403 | Fax: 051 854850 Email: gcgrannagh@gmail.com Wishing Continued Success To Coillte, From

FRANKIE QUIGLEY TRANSPORT

75 Mullenaveigh Road, Arney, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT92 2EW

Newtown, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 087 262 6494 48

Tel: 028 66 348778 | Mobile: 07921528328 Email: tinaquigley@hotmail.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

160 trucks have already had the new technology installed. At the announcement were, l/r: Dr Brian Motherway, CEO SEAI; David Gunning, CEO Coillte Teo and Charlie Cahill, MD Blue Tree Systems

The stipulation that the technology must be on board applies only to hauliers who work directly for Coillte.

“Hauliers either work directly for us, for the sawmills or for the farmer,” Mick notes. “At the moment, we have facilities at our customer sawmills where the drivers have to download paper dockets and then put them into a theft-proof box,” he continues. “This system is 16 years old now and has served us well but in terms of modern technology there is a more efficient way of doing things. The third aspect of the new technology is that we will move away from these paper dockets to a new paperless TRP (Timber Removal Permit).

“So it’s more than a fuel management system, more than a tracking system, more than a security system. It’s state-ofthe-art in-cab technology provided by Blue Tree Systems with huge benefits to Coillte, the hauliers and the timber industry as a whole.

“In total, there are 70 individual hauliers who work directly for Coillte, using 250 trucks. All the work is contracted out. In terms of both harvesting and haulage of the wood, we have forged a number of partnerships and this new on-board technology is yet another joint venture.

“The four main drivers behind this project are: truck performance; driver behaviour; security of logs; and security of equipment. Paperless permits is the fifth benefit, which will follow somewhere down the line. With full 24/7 monitoring, there are absolute pluses for the haulier.

“Furthermore, they will also have access to and full use of this system while they are carrying out other work that is not

Worrell Harvesting Ltd.

Coillte-related – Coillte will only have access to information while they are working for us. In short they are getting a very sophisticated system on board for just €500 per truck.

“It’s a great deal for the haulier and there are massive efficiencies for us and for the industry as well, so it’s a winwin situation.”

Coillte is a commercial company operating in forestry, landbased businesses, renewable energy and panel products.

The company employs approximately 1,100 people and was established in 1988. It owns over 445,000 hectares of land about 7% of the land cover of Ireland.

Wishing Continued Success To Coillte, From

Tim Doyle Haulage Wexford Tel: 085 7441127 E: timdoyle337@gmail.com

Best Wishes To Coillte, From

We are a forestry company looking to secure timber from 1st thinnings to clearfell & site clearance.

We offer prompt payment - payments are made weekly for your timber Security - We operate a docketing system which offers full traceability and security for your timber Silviculture Thinning - We have sites we have already thinned you are welcome to inspect Professional approach- We are fully insured and employ qualified personnel Killenure, Ballybrittas, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: 045 529574 Fax: 045 529575 Mobile: 087 2599372 Email: info@worrellharvesting.ie Website: www.worrellharvesting.ie BEST WISHES TO COILLTE

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

LIAM CANNON SERVICES Westport, Co. Mayo | Tel: 086 8932056 49

JC Halliday & sons in Bushmills

Halliday time JC Halliday & Sons Ltd. is Ireland’s longest-running Citroën dealership. As the Northern Ireland business enters its 46th year of trading, Irish Trucker popped into the Bushmills, County Antrim HQ for a chat with Marketing & IT Manager Jamie Stratton.

The business is Ireland’s longestrunning Citroen dealership

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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idely regarded as Northern Ireland’s premier provider of new and used cars and commercial vehicles, JC Halliday & Sons Ltd. – a Citroën dealership for over four decades - was established in Bushmills, County Antrim in August 1967 by the eponymous John C Halliday.

Since then, the founder has handed over the reins to the current directors – his sons Lex and John Jnr. Reflecting on the genesis of the business, Jamie Stratton – who has been with the company for 13 years – notes: “John C started off selling cars from beside the family home. He was travelling over to Scotland and sourcing the cars there, then coming home and selling them here. He took the Citroën franchise in 1971 and we’ve been a main Citroën dealer ever since.

“We’ve been with Citroën for over 40 years and that makes us the longest-running Citroën dealership on the island. We have an excellent partnership with them and we find that their vehicles are exceptional, so it’s a very good relationship. We are a Citroën dealer exclusively – we have stuck with them and we have grown together. We specialise exclusively in Citroën

vehicles.”

Nineteen-eighty-five was another landmark year for JC Halliday & Sons as the second branch was opened at Eglinton, County Derry. “The two outlets work hand in hand,” says Jamie. “Both sites are identical, with full workshop facilities etc. included in both.

So, while they are part of the same group, they are also wholly self-sufficient.”

Jamie is pleased to report that both premises are performing extremely well at present, despite the economic downturn being felt on both sides of the border: “Obviously, this is a busy time of year for us with new vehicle registrations but in fairness we are busy all year around and we’re expecting 2013 to be another successful year. Twenty-twelve was one of our busiest years to date and we are hoping to continue in a similar vein this year.”

As an official Citroën dealership, JC Halliday & Sons Ltd. pride themselves on offering a first-class experience designed to meet all of its customers’ Citroën needs and expectations. A full range of services including sales, servicing, parts, recovery etc. is available and a 35-strong team of dedicated Citroën

The impressive showroom

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

51

es To Best Wishy & Sons a d i l l a JC H

52

professionals is on hand to provide the highest possible levels of back-up and customer care.

As an approved Citroën Business Centre, JC Halliday & Sons will not only help you choose the right commercial vehicle for your business, but will also offer total reassurance. By choosing to deal with a reliable and efficient supplier, business customers know they will be looked after.

As part of the Citroën network, JC Halliday is a fully-trained, IMI-accredited business specialist, offering unrivalled stock availability, extended servicing hours, expert advice and guaranteed availability of courtesy vehicles.

Comprising the Nemo, Berlingo First, Berlingo Van, Dispatch and Relay, the award-winning Citroën range of commercial vehicles includes a solution to suit every requirement. “The Berlingo has consistently been the bestselling van in Ireland and the UK since 2000,” Jamie notes.

“A new model was launched in 2009 with Sat Nav as standard and the Berlingo offers a versatility that none of its rivals can match. The Dispatch range also comes with Sat Nav as standard and this is a great added bonus for the business user. All in all, the range of commercial vehicles is very, very reliable and the perception of Citroën has changed a lot in recent years. Citroën is now quite rightly regarded as the best in its field. The new range of DS3 cars, which was launched in 2009 and received great reviews on Top Gear, got everybody talking about Citroën.”

It would be wrong to assume that – due to its location north of the border – JC Halliday & Sons’ services are catered exclusively towards residents of Northern Ireland. To the contrary, Jamie reveals: “We cover all of Ireland and have regularly delivered cars and vans as far south as Cork and Limerick. We’ve always had a very strong customer base in the Republic of Ireland. In 2005, for example, we delivered 300 vans into the south in January/ February alone.”

Commercial sales is a very strong part of the overall JC Halliday business model. “Our commercial sales would be very close to the car sales,” Jamie confirms. “Especially with regards to business in the south of Ireland. As UK models come with a much higher spec than what can be bought in the south, a lot of businesses in the Republic opt to buy from us. We are very close to the border here and it is particularly convenient for customers from Donegal, which is just across the road.

“We’re just two miles from the border and we can supply southern customers with new and used vans and the demand is very strong. We’ll be selling a lot of new vans in January and February, while used vehicles are also in big demand at the moment.”

Looking to the future, Jamie says there will be no let-up in the high-quality service offered by JC Halliday & Sons Ltd.” “As well as providing a fantastic range of cars and vans, our back-up service is also excellent. Citroën are concentrating very strongly on customer satisfaction – they are sixth in the index at the moment and are determined to break into the top three.

“Here at JC Halliday, we want to push on and make 2013 even better than 2012. Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to us – from the moment the customer walks through the door and every time he / she comes back after that. We have always done everything in our power to make sure that customers are looked after and that will continue to be the case for as long as our doors remain open.”

And that will be quite some time! Forty-six years down the line, JC Halliday & Sons is stronger than ever.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A one stop shop Repair, servicing, testing and parts – you’ll find it all under the one roof at Cronin’s Commercial & Repair Company in Dunmanway, County Cork.

Incorporating Cronin Precision Engineering Ltd, this multi-faceted business is tackling the downturn head on. MD Michael Cronin spoke to Irish Trucker.

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The drive-through test centre is state-of-the-art

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

e have a loyal customer base, some of our customers have been coming back to us for over the last 30 years. It’s a good sign when people who have been with you from the start stick with you,” replied MD Michael Cronin when asked what are the secrets of the success of Cronin’s Commerical & Repair Company.

Michael established the business in 1979 along with his brother Jim and they are joined in the running of the business by their brothers Denis and Pat. With a track record that is second

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Best Wishes To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company , From

ELECTRO MAINTENANCE Specialising in the distribution of rotating electrics and ancillary components Nationwide Distributors For 58A Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Baldoyle, Dublin 13.

T: 01 8394875 F: 01 8394879 E: info@electromaintenance.ie

www.electromaintenance.ie

Best Wishes To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company From

Sundance Motors Ltd Central Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork City www.sundance.ie • info@sundance.ie Tel: 021 4311823 • Fax: 021 5005550 Best Wishes To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company

Killalough Cross, Glanmire, Co. Cork T: (021) 4821300 F: (021) 4866509 E: delaneyinternational@eircom.net www.delaneylubes.ie STRATEGIC LUBRICANT DISTRIBUTORS Full Range Of MOBIL • LUBE OIL • GREASES • SPECIALITES THE WORLDS MOST ADVANCED MOTOR OIL

Best Wishes To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company, From

DISTRIBUTORS FOR LINCOLN & VOGEL LUBRICATION SYSTEMS, ALSO NKE BEARINGS 31 A, Euro Business Park, Little Island Co. Cork.

TEL: +353 (0)21 4524661.

Email: sales@a-h.ie

www.a-h.ie

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Best wishes to Cronin Commercial & Repair Company IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Cronin Commercial and Repair in Dunmanway

to none, it is no surprise to learn that Cronin’s Commericial & Repair Company continue to satisfy their customers demands.

The company boasts one of the best stocked stores for car, truck, bus, machinery and general engineering supplies in the country and, as well as replacement parts, they have a comprehensive selection of tools.

In store they can make hydraulic hoses and repair starters and alternators while the customer waits.

They stock a large selection of parts for all types of vehicles and machinery, some of which include filters, oils, batteries, tyres, bearings, clutches, brake pads, starters, alternators, stereos, wipers, headlamps, belts, mirrors, bulbs, tachograph charts, number plates etc.

They also sell a selection of work wear, including safety boots, reflective jackets and vests. Their motto is: ‘If we do not stock it, one of our reliable staff will source the part for you!’ The Cork company specialises in gates hydraulic hosing, which they can also make up while the customer waits while they have a range of air tools, compressors, lifting slings, machinery paints and all types of nuts and bolts to suit every need.

All makes and models of cars, vans, trucks, buses and machinery are repaired, serviced and maintained, while filters and belts are also supplied and fitted for all types of vehicles and machinery.

They have the latest of diagnostic equipment to detect problems quickly and also specialise in air conditioning regassing air conditioning systems for all vehicles.

With the latest diagnostic equipment on hand for all vehicles, battery testing, headlight alignment, brake rollers and computerised diagnosis systems, no job is too big or too small for their trusty and experienced mechanics.

Another speciality is the fitting and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The latest diagnostic equipment

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Wishing continued success to Cronin Commercial & Repair Company

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company From

31b Euro Business Park, Little Island, Cork.

T: (021) 5003555 F: (021) 5003554 M: (086) 8510241 E: cork@abbeyseals.ie

www.abbeyseals.ie Best Wishes & Continued Success To CRONIN COMMERCIAL & REPAIR COMPANY

From All At

Best Wishes To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company, From

Mondaniel, Rathcormac, Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0)25-36301 Fax: +353 (0)25-36444 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-6.00pm Sat 9.00am - 5.00pm.

www.rathcormactyres.com

Unit 37, Baldoyle Ind Estate., Baldoyle, Dublin 13.

Tel: (01) 832 0900 • Fax: (01) 806 3261 E: info@brhoward.ie • www.brhoward.ie

| Pre-nct checks | Mini-services carried out | Computerised wheel alignment | Computerised wheel balancing | Puncture repair | Alloy wheel straightening using specialised equipment for this purpose | Light focusing | Tyre vulcanising | 24 hour breakdown service provided. | Full range of tyres now in stock.

Congratulations To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company

INSURANCE BROKERS JLT Ireland, Hibernian House, Building 5200, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork

On Achieving 30 Years As A DOE Testcentre From All The Staff & Management at

Qualvecom

Tel: 021 4549500 Fax: 021 4808196 E: jltcork@jlt.ie

www.jlt.ie

Best Wishes To Cronin Commercial & Repair Company

56

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

calibrating of tachograph and speed limiter calibration.

“We offer a diverse range of services,” commented Michael, “and we’re holding our own at the moment.

The future outlook is starting to improve. Money is scarce and the downturn is there but vehicles are always going to have to be repaired.”

Providing gainful employment to 22, Cronin’s take health and safety seriously. They follow and are compliant with management standards and industry practice.

Their DOE Test Centre was established in 1983, which is when the compulsory tests were introduced nationwide, and Cronin’s have been providing that service ever since.

They opened a new drive-through, state-of-the-art test centre with all the latest testing and diagnostic equipment in August 2007 The family-run company provides a full testing service – for both light and heavy commercial vehicles as well as tachograph and speed limiter calibration.

Their perfect location also allows Cronin Commercial & Repair to cover a wide catchment area: “We’re out in the country and we have a big area around us, with a lot of operators nearby. We cover from Castletownbere to Kinsale and as far as Macroom,” Michael said.

“We have an excellent set-up and we’re extremely convenient to get to, so there’s no added hassle for the driver with traffic congestion or difficult of access or anything like that.

“We aim to get the vehicles in and out

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The firm employs 22 people

as quickly and conveniently as possible, also we guarantee that the test will be conducted properly and all vehicles will be 100% safe afterwards.

“We also do pre-tests so that vehicle owners can see if there’s anything that needs to be fixed before they go through the actual test itself. “ Another advantage to customers is that they can get their repairs done and their tachographs calibrated etc. all in the one yard. Cronin’s can fit them in within a matter of days and they have the expertise and experience to provide a very good repairs service.

Their skilled staff are able to carry out all kinds of repairs in the company’s fully-equipped workshops, from cylinder head skimming to reboring and complete engine overhauls.

They also carry out engine line boring and honing, conrod reconditioning, valve refacing, reseating and valve guide replacing.

“We also keep large stocks of spare parts for many engine types, and can source hard-to-find components for most makes of car and commercial vehicle and marine vehicles,” added Michael.

Another string to the company’s bow is Cronin’s Precision Engineering where they manufacture high quality precision machine parts and components using the most up-to-date technology.

Their team of highly skilled and experienced precision engineers will undertake manual machining, CNC turning, milling, horizontal boring, line boring, automatic internal bore welding, key seating and welding, hydraulic rams made and repaired depending on their customers specific

needs.

Cronin’s Precision Engineering is also experienced in the unique requirements of the marine industry – propeller shafts, rudder shafts, stern tubes just to mention a few.

They produce highly complex parts, machined in one operation with consistently high tolerance and can manufacture low to high volume quantities.

They specialise in the design and manufacture of high quality precision components and press tools as well as a range of volume milling and turning solutions.

As we said at the start, Cronin’s Commercial & Repair is a one-stop shop!

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Brendan Morgan has worked hard to make the business a success

Tuckmill and TPN: a perfect combination The haulage industry has suffered greatly in recent years as rising fuel costs and falling rates have put a great amount of pressure on companies involved in the industry.

H

owever, there are groups out there willing to work together in other to safeguard their future in haulage. One such association is the Pallet Network, which was established in 2004 when a group of hauliers came together and decided to share their workload.

These days the Network has 24 Irish members and a further 95 in the UK. Every member is ISO accredited and is measured daily on KPI (Key Performance Indicators) for example on time delivery and pod completeness. There are annual inspections by a full time internal auditor, with penalties for failures and awards for

58

excellence. The depots are externally audited by NSAI at least once every two years.

TPN is now the dominant player in the pallet delivery market in Ireland.

Independent Express enjoys the services of an Irish network of 24 depots and 95 UK depots, all tightly controlled and monitored to ensure the best delivery service in the market.

One of the founding members of TPN was Brendan Morgan, a Wexford based haulier that is the managing director of Tuckmill Transport.

For this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we speak to Brendan about his business

and his role in The Pallet Network.

TPN was the first pallet network in Ireland or the UK to achieve ISO accreditation for every member. By combining into a single network, TPN members can offer the agility and personal service of smaller operators while offering the national and international reach of larger ones - giving customers the best of both worlds.

In addition, because members cover shorter distances within a familiar territory, they offer a fast, flexible service, while at the same time reducing costs and carbon footprint as well as maintaining drivers' hours safely within IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company was established in 1995

those specified by the Working Time Directive.

TPN operate from a €15M Euro hub facility with the capacity to handle 5,000 pallets per night. This is the largest of its kind in Ireland, and is strategically located in Blanchardstown within two miles of the M50, Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel, accessible to all types of vehicles carrying road freight. There are six loading bays and five double deck trailers can be handled simultaneously.

All activity is monitored by CCTV

cameras.

“Without the Pallet Network, I don't think we would still be in business,” admitted Brendan. “The industry has gone so competitive that it is almost impossible to turn over a profit.

“I established the business in 1995 having previously worked on the continent before that. We offer a next day nationwide delivery service and we have nine trucks on the road.

“We deliver mainly in South Wicklow and Wexford. Being in the Pallet

Network means that we can cut down on fuel costs, which is the most costliest area of the industry at the moment.

“All the members are experienced local freight companies who not only deliver but also provide their own national and international service through The Pallet Network. There is no better choice to transport freight in Ireland.”

Tuckmill Transport also offers warehousing at their premises in Enniscorthy where there is 12,000sq ft of storage available.

Nine trucks are operational on a daily basis

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

59

The Pallet Network Bringing worldclass distribution to every county in Ireland

Continued Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport From

M.S. Commercials Ltd.

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Tuckmill Transport Email: sales@tpn.ie Telephone: (01) 8219999 Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport, From

Bosheen Road, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Tel: 051 422277 • Fax: 051 421606 Mobile: 087 2573653 • 087 2440707

VTN Wexford Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport

Your ONE STOP SHOP .....for all your haulage needs!

www.eastwestexpress.ie East West Express Charlestown, Co. Mayo.

T: 094-9254502 F: 094-9254970 E:transport@eastwestexpress.ie

Ardcavan, Wexford. T: 053 9180600 F: 053 9180606 Email: info@vtnwexford.ie www.vtnwexford.ie Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport From All At

Wishing Tuckmill Transport the very best of Luck

South Easts Leading Forklift Supplier We supply a wide range of new and used forklifts to suit all your materials handling needs. We can also meet your forklift hire needs, be it short or long term.

Nationwide Pallet & Package Distribution To and From Cork Unit 16 GB Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork Tel: (021) 4353991 Fax: (021) 4355214

The Ballagh, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford T: 053 9136147 • E: parts@mcgannonforklifts.com www.mcgannonforklifts.com

www.corkexpresspallets.com

Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport From

Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport, From

HEARNE LINEMARKING T/A COLM HEARNE CONSTRUCTION LTD Ballygarron, Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

60

M

Mayday Express Distribution Solutions

Line Marking • Maintenance • Building Civil Works • Light Engineering Ground Work • Demolition

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T: (053) 9130508 • F: (053) 9130025 Colm (087) 8384194

Tel: 091 778 933 | Fax: 091 778 933 Email: maydayexpress@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

they were named the Pallet Network Member of the Year.

“We were delighted to win the award.

It was a culmination of the hard work of everybody in the company and the efforts they have put in over the years,” added Brendan, whose son Darren is also involved in the business.

Brendan is happy with the direction that the business is heading in at the moment during a time when the industry is so unsettled.

“If we can hold to what we have, we will be happy enough. Of course, we would like to take on more work, but he is not easy go these days, so our aim is to continue to supply the same high level of service to our customers and continue to be efficient at our jobs.”

Tuckmill offer next day nationwide delivery

"We provide overnight deliveries to both business and private addresses, and we serve both urban and rural areas, so you are guaranteed a truly nationwide delivery service. Your goods are always collected and delivered by local carriers so you get the best service in national, UK and international transport and haulage."

Brendan admits that the fuel rebate scheme being introduced on July 1st will be a big boost to the industry and could possibly help some businesses survive.

“The fuel rebate will be welcomed and I just hope that it is as beneficial as its

being made out to be. Something had to be done and this is a step in the right direction.”

Brendan's choice of trucks are Volvo and MAN, which are sourced from local dealers. They mainly do their own maintenance, which helps keep down on overheads.

“The trucks and trailers are kept well serviced in order to avoid any downtime. We try and change them every few years as well and we have a good working relationship with the main dealers down here.”

The success of Tuckmill Transport has not gone unnoticed and in 2012

CONTACT DETAILS: Tuckmill Transport Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel:+353 (0)53 9232548 Mob: +353 (0)87 6645827 Email: brendan@tuckmill.ie web: www.tuckmill.ie

Truck Bus & Trailer Parts

MERCEDES | SCANIA | DAF MAN | ROR | VOLVO | BPW Now Official Distributors for

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The fleet is kept in immaculate condition

Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport

Best Wishes To Tuckmill Transport

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Blyry Business Park, Athlone | Tel: 00 353 90 64 78862 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

61

028 8776 7888

INDUSTRIAL GASES | BEVERAGE GASES | BULK Co2 GASES Kelgar has been involved in LPG distribution for over 40 years which has led to the development of the Kelgar Pallets and Trailer system which is currently being used by Calor Gas and other LPG company’s

Delighted To Be Associated With Calor Gas

122 Old Ballygawley Road, Eskragh Dungannon, County Tyrone BT70 1TA

Tel: 028 8776 7888 Email info@kelgarhaulage.com |

Wishing Continued Success To Calor Gas, From

www.kelgarhaulage.com Best Wishes To Calor Gas, From

EuroHaul Limited 21 YEARS DISTRIBUTING GAS CYLINDERS FOR CALOR GAS Eurohaul Centre, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Tel: 01 451 9711 | Fax: 01 451 9064 Email: eurohaulgroup@eircom.net

EMMET MOTOR SUPPLIES LTD.

9A Emmet Street, Dublin 1.

VAN & TRUCK SUPPLIES

Best Wishes To Calor Gas, From

43 YEARS IN BUSINESS Unit 8, Millennium Business Park, Cappagh Road, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11 Tel: 01-8649116 Fax: 01-8649129 Email: info@haughtontyres.ie www.haughtontyres.ie Tel: 01 864 9116 & 01 864 9118 Home - Office - Roadside - New Tyres - Batteries - Puncture Repairs - Balancing & 4 Wheel Alignment - Tyres for Cars Trucks - Vans - Stockists of all major Tyre Brands Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-1pm

62

Tel: (01) 8365333 or 8364288 Fax: (01) 8550511 FILTERS • SUZIES COILS RUBBOLITE LAMPS • MIRROR HEADS TRUCK MARKING• BOSCH LAMPS HELLA LAMPS• BATTERIES

TO BOOK ADVERTISING SPACE please contact

Barry on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

2000s - A Calor truck on its way to make a delivery most of the vehicles are MANs though this one is a DAF

75 years and counting for Calor Gas 2012 was a landmark year in the illustrious history of Calor Gas as it celebrated its 75th anniversary in business.

T

o mark the occasion, the company commissioned a book ‘75 Years on the Road – A History of Calor Gas’ which was compiled by author Hugh Oram and published in 2012.

The history traces the development of the company from its humble beginnings in Ireland in 1937.

McMullans, the Belfast oil company behind the Maxol brand, brought Calor Gas to Ireland and, today, they are the leading supplier and distributor of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) in the country.

Calor Gas design and implement bulk and cylinder energy solutions for residential, industrial and commercial customers who want to enjoy IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

everything that this exceptional energy source has to offer, but aren’t on the natural gas pipeline.

Calor is owned by SHV Energy, the largest dedicated global LPG distributor in the market. SHV Energy operates in 27 countries and supplies LPG to tens of millions of customers worldwide.

As the leading distributor of LPG on the island of Ireland, Calor can also offer the reassuring security of a fuel supply which doesn’t have to rely on Middle Eastern or Russian imports; 25% of its LPG is sourced from the Whitegate Refinery in Co. Cork, with the remainder sourced within Europe.

The company employs 258 staff in six sites located throughout the

country and a further 200 indirectly.

The head office is on the Long Mile Road, Dublin, while other key locations include, Whitegate Filling Plant, Gas Import and Storage Terminal, Tivoli both in Cork; Gas Import and Storage Terminal, Belfast and Dublin as well as their Northern Ireland office which is situated at Airport Road West, Sydenham, Belfast.

Sean McCourt is Operations Director and is based at the Dublin head office where he oversees the distribution network throughout the 32 counties.

“We have a fleet of 60 big bulk tankers and 20 trailers on the road every day delivering cylinders,”

63

1940s - A McMullans Calor delivery truck in 1946. Standing proudly alongside is six-year-old Eric McMullan, half-brother of Clifford and David, all sons of William, one of the two founding brothers

revealed Sean who has been with the company for 30 years. “We employ 60 drivers internally and use outside hauliers/partners to deliver cylinders through the island of Ireland.

“As Operations Director I’m responsible for all bulk operations, the big bulk tankers you see around the countryside, and everything to do with the importation and breaking down of

shipments into small parcels and their distribution throughout the country.”

Sean continued: “We bring all the advantages of natural gas to rural Ireland. LPG can do everything that 1980s - A tanker being connected to a storage tank at the Calor Kosangas depot in Dungannon, Co Tyrone

64

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

65

MACROOM HAULAGE www.macroomhaulage.com

LTD.

Droumree, Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel: 026-41887.

F: 026-42168 | Email: transport@macroomhaulage.com

THE DRIVE TO DELIVER Fleet Transport National Haulier of the Year 2013 Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year 2013 DELIGHTED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH CALOR GAS & WISHING THEM MANY MORE YEARS OF CONTINUED SUCCESS

Best Wishes To Calor Gas From

GREENCARE MECHANICAL SERVICES Agri, Plant & Commercial Vehicles Currana, Golden, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Tel: 087 2534532 T/F: 062 54764 Email:info@greencaremechservices.com

PRECISION ENGINEERING | MAINTENANCE | PROTOTYPING

Scott & Stinson

ENGINEERING

LTD

ALUMINIUM STAINLESS STEEL & FABRICATION | GATES & RAILINGS

Sole suppliers of cages, trolleys and signs to Calor Gas ROI & NI Mild steel & stainless steel fabrications Gates, railings, staircases (residential & Industrial) Factory Maintenance | Precision Engineering | Prototyping Contact Trevor Scott (Scott & Stinson Eng Ltd) 6 Rectory Road, Coleraine BT52 2LR | T: 028 70358009 E: Trevor@rectoryforge.co.uk | www.rectoryforge.co.uk CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO CALOR GAS 66

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A Calor home delivery

natural gas can. Obviously not all of the country is connected to the natural gas grid. LPG is the best alternative to natural gas.”

With 75 years’ experience in the gas business, the company prides itself on its unmatched expertise in the safe supply of butane and propane to their customers.

“Safety is our number one priority under every circumstance. A lot of money and time has gone into IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

managing safety. All our drivers undertake intensive training and they know what is expected of them and how to fulfill their duties in a safe and efficient manner.

“Obviously everything we do has to be done in accordance with legislation and that includes very short driver hours, planning and making sure everything is right.

“The company has invested a lot of money in digitising our entire

processes, everything is controlled by computors and all our drivers have handheld devices.”

Suppliers of one of the cleanest fossil fuels available to rural Ireland, Calor are fully committed to supporting best practice and sustainable development with regard to all environmental matters.

They are constantly striving to offer a cleaner, more sustainable energy source for now and in the future.

67

As supplier of instant hot water, cosy central heating, quick, controllable cooking and the warmth of a real flame fire, you can’t beat the many benefits of Calor Gas. LPG is a clean burning and more environmentally sustainable alternative to other fuels such as oil, peat, coal and electricity.

Calor Gas cares about the environment and are committed to pressing for sustainable developments in this area. The company looks at their own environmental performance and will continue to review and adopt best practice industry solutions Excellent customer service is a cornerstone of the Calor Gas

1970s - The first of a new fleet of tankers delivered in the early seventies to the depot at Middleton, Co Cork

68

philosophy 1970s - Kosangas Filling Station distribution yard at Alexander Road in Dublin Port and they can p r o v i d e peace of mind where they will automatically top up customers’ bulk LPG tank when it needs it, t h e r e b y removing the worry of money. running out of gas.

“We are very busy at the moment and Carbon tax is lower for LPG than it is will be up until the end of February. for oil, which in turn saves the customer Ours is a seasonal business. There’s not much to do in the middle of the summer and there’s big upturn in the winter.

“We have to get our level of activity right to look after our customers demands in winter time and ensure we’re no carrying too much spare capacity in the summer time.”

Looks like there will be many more chapters left to be written in the success story of Calor Gas.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

SUBSCRIPTION ONLY

FOR 12 ISSUES or

INCLUDING P&P

By Post Fill out the attached application form and send it by post accompanied with a cheque or postal order (made payable to Lynn Group) for the correct amount to Irish Trucker Magazine, DG Press Ltd., Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath

By Email Enclose your postal address and credit card details (Card type, number and expiry date) to contact@lynngroupmedia.com A receipt will be enclosed with your first magazine.

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Thirty years of excellence

There is a huge selection of parts on offer

Supplying new and second-hand parts for cars and commercial vehicles, BS Auto Recyclers Ltd. celebrated 30 years in business in April.

Recognised as the premier car and light commercial breaker in the North East, the Duleek-based company is moving with the times, taking on more stock, stocking more specific parts and embracing modern technology.

Irish Trucker met up with founder Brian Smith Snr. to get an insight into the operation.

BS Auto Recyclers are based in the Bolies, Duleek

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

End of life vehicles are taken directly from the owner

B

S Auto Recyclers is in a prime location in County Meath, close to both the N2 and M1 and just 20 minutes from the M50, specialising in the sale and recycling of all motor vehicles and also offering the environmentally-friendly disposal of End of Life Vehicles.

Vehicles are stripped down by an experienced team of mechanics, catalogued and placed on storage racks for easy retrieval. All parts are available for immediate nationwide delivery, with all major credit cards accepted. BS Auto Recyclers also sells used cars, vans, jeeps and commercials as well as damage repairables. Metals are also bought for recycling.

A family-run authorised treatment centre which employs six people fulltime and is fully affiliated to the Irish Motor Vehicles Recyclers’ Association (IMVRA) BS Auto Recylers has been serving its customers on-site since 1982 and prides itself on the longterm relationships established with customers.

Brian Smith Snr. set the company up but his son Brian Jnr. has been involved with the family business for a number of years and is gradually taking the reins. “We would have between 500 and 600 cars in stock at any given time, in the process of bring dismantled,” says the former. “We buy and sell nationwide and also export as well. Once the vehicle is dismantled, it is de-polluted and the parts go on the shelf.

“This line of work has changed a lot in recent years,” he continues. “There are more and more electronic parts now. The product is changing and we have to change with it. There’s a bigger range of cars on the road and we have to cover all makes and models, which change and vary from year to year. This means we have to IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

importer or the distributor, yet we have carry a huge amount of parts.” to take the old vehicle even though we These are sometimes sold across didn’t benefit from the sale of it in the the counter, but more and more they first place. are being sold over the internet or “Illegal operators are another big over the phone and delivered by problem in Meath, which undermines courier. “If you were depending on the value of our licence. They can local business, you just wouldn’t undercut our prices and nothing is survive,” says the director. “You have being done about it. We invest a lot of to spread your wings. You have to be money to get up to EU standards and ready for change. We also export but we have to document every part of that market is volatile and subject to every vehicle. It’s a joke that rogue fluctuations.

Everything is operators can then be allowed to computerised now and this is a compete with us. This can’t be modern business compared to years ignored and will have to be dealt with. ago.”

“We are in a strong position because Damaged vehicles are purchased we own our premises and all our from insurance companies and stock, but these are still difficult times garages, while End of Life vehicles and it’s frightening what the illegal are taken directly from the owner. operator is getting away with.”

“We’ve been doing that for ten years.

We were the first licensed End of Life facility in County Meath,” Brian notes.

CONTACT DETAILS Moving with the times means more and more investment. To this end, BS Auto Recyclers Ltd., Brian has recently bought a new baler Bolies, and weighbridge. The cost of handling Duleek, End of Life vehicles can be a source County Meath. of frustration, as Brian concedes: Tel: 041 9823587 / 9823720 “There is legislation coming from the Fax: 041 9880299 Government and from Europe and Mobile: 087 7611080 you have to comply with all of it. It’s frustrating that we have a lot of worthless cars coming in that have to be deContinued Best Wishes To BS Auto Recyclers Ltd, polluted free of From charge, which amounts to n e g a t i v e equity.

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71

Galway County Council’s salting fleet

Galway County Council’s award-winning development Galway County Council received huge recognition when its Cill Rónáin Harbour project on Inis Mor island was voted by the Irish public as the Engineering Project of the Year. The biggest ever island infrastructure project undertaken in Ireland, Cill Rónáin Harbour was selected because of its engineering excellence and also the enormous social and economic value it brings to the island’s residents.

T

he harbour is sheltered by a stone breakwater which is more than half a kilometre long and is twice the size of Croke Park, comprising more than 77,000 tonnes of large natural stone blocks (sourced from Connemara) which protects the breakwater from erosion.

Cill Rónáin is the main town on the island of Inis Mor - the largest of the Aran Islands, which are located less than ten miles off the west coast of Galway. The island of Inis Mor is approximately nine miles long by two miles wide, covering roughly 31km2 and with a population of

Galway county manager Martina Maloney at the Cill Ronain Harbour Development contract signing

72

approximately 900.

Cill Rónáin is the island’s main port and the Cill Rónáin Harbour Development project included: construction of 550 metres of rubble mound sea wall, navigation lights; dredging 43,000 cubic metres of soft sediment to facilitate the tide; dredging 61,000 cub metres of rock to facilitate access to all tides; construction of a 45-metre cargo quay on breakwater, including provision for land based crane; construction of an 80-metre slipway on breakwater for cargo use; construction of a 65-metre deepwater fishing quay on the east side of existing pier; the construction of 57 metres of a new ferry quay on the east side of the existing pier; the refacing of 127 metres of the existing ferry quay on the west and south sides of the existing pier; the IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The spectacular new Cill Ronain Harbour

reclamation of approx 13,500 square metres for parking, traffic marshalling, and future terminal building; the construction of a floating pontoon for use by the RNLI. The €50 million harbour development was chosen as the Engineering Project of the Year at the third annual Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards from among seven shortlisted projects voted on by the public in an online poll.

The project has already generated huge economic and social benefits for the residents of the largest of the three Aran Islands, not only improving safety but also supporting tourist traffic to an island rich in cultural heritage and making life easier for local fishermen.

Embodying the very best in engineering excellence, the Cill Rónáin Harbour – a collaboration between Galway County Council, PUNCH Consulting Engineers and BAM Civil provides a sheltered harbour for maritime traffic with improved safety on land as the local community welcomes tens of thousands of visitors per year.

“We have 250 harbours on our 750km coastline, which includes three offshore inhabited islands,” notes Kevin Finn, One of Galway County Council’s three salt barns. Each of these can store 1,200 tonnes of winter maintenance salt, which is imported from Spain, Israel and the Middle East

A montage of the proposed harbour

roads section, Galway County Council.

“Cill Rónáin Harbour is the main harbour onto Inis Mor island and replaced the existing jetty. We were working on this project since 2002 and the contract was signed in December 2008. The work started in April 2009 and the harbour will be officially opened this April.

“This is of massive significance to the islanders. It will transform their lives and play a vital role in sustaining the people on the Aran Islands. There are

facilities for cargo and for passengers.”

This important infrastructure will sustain families, create jobs by facilitating fishing fleets and is of massive importance to tourism, providing safe and convenient ferry access. It creates natural shelter, offers essential support to the island’s community and is a major asset to Galway County Council, generating employment not just during the construction phase but also going forward.

Best Wishes to Galway County Council, From

Mayfield Services Ltd Agri Services & Plant Hire

Silage Harvesting | Bulk Fertilizer | Spreading etc

GROUND WORK | SITE DEVELOPMENT | EXCAVATION | HAULAGE

Carrarea, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Mobile: 087 6836581 Email: paulineabeckett@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Continued Best Wishes To Barron Transport, From

Best Wishes To Barron Transport, From

CURRAN CONNOLLY INSURANCE BROKERS

Commercial Motor Business Insurance Personal Insurance 2 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FL

Te: +44 (0) 28 9066 1938 Email: info@curcon.co.uk

www.curcon.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (No303546)

Wishing Continued Success To Barron Transport, From

Belfast

Antrim

Rathfriland

J.N.K. Components Ltd. THE CAR, COMMERCIAL & TRACTOR PARTS PEOPLE Main Agents for:

Ormeau House 91-97 Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 1SH

33b Church Street Antrim BT41 4BE

11a Newry Street Rathfriland Co. Down BT34 5PY

t: 028 9032 0039 f: 028 9024 3067

t: 028 9446 0540 f: 028 9446 6066

t: 028 4063 0696 f: 028 9024 3067

w: dntca.com | e: info@dntca.com

Continued Best Wishes To Barron Transport From

Ballymena Engine Spares Ltd 36 Railway Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT42 2AE

SACHS CLUTCHES, EXCELUBE OIL, VARTA BATTERIES, HELLA LIGHTS & DONALDSON FILTERS Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT42 3HB

Tel: 028-256 48111 Fax: 028 256 42422 Email: ray@jnkcomponents.co.uk

www.jnkcomponents.co.uk Best Wishes To Barron Tranpsort

TO BOOK ADVERTISING SPACE please contact

Barry on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923

Tel: 028 2564 3161 (3 Lines) Fax: 028 2564 8184 Email: info@ballymenaenginespares.com

www.ballymenaenginespares.co.uk 74

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Barron Transport has 40 years experience

Barron Transport always delivers Barron Transport deliver national and international transport solutions to a wide range of customers and their motto is to deliver 100% service to their customers at competitive price. Transport Manager William Barron jnr revealed more to Irish Trucker.

A

ntrim-based Barron Transport is a family run transport company with over 40 years experience.

Family owned and operated, the company is intensely focused on customer satisfaction and is willing to adapt and invest in the resources needed to support new and innovative opportunities with their customers.

Billy Barron snr founded the company back in the 1970s and today he is joined in the running of the business by his wife Allison (Financial Director) and sons William jnr and Allastair.

“As a family-run business we are in a position to make informed decisions

quickly and react to developments quicker than a lot of our competitors.

That’s where our strength lies,” explained William jnr who is the company’s Transport Manager.

William joined the family company upon leaving school 21 years ago while his brother Allastair looks after the inhouse maintenance of the company fleet.

In the seventies the company’s main business was tipper services but the eighties saw artics and trailers joining the fleet and sea going containers became the mainstay of the business.

In the 1990s the container work went

into decline and Barron Transport joined the growing express parcel market with dedicated linehaul, airfreight services and C & D vehicles dominating the fleet.

Expansion in the parcels market led the company in the late nineties to further development of warehousing at the depot and subsequent provision of “White Glove Home Delivery Services” for a well known retailer.

From 2000 until the present day the business has continued to grow organically and currently has a very diverse customer base including logistics providers, manufacturers, airlines and high street retailers.

The fleet is dominated by the Mercedes-Benz marque

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

75

“We believe that the transport industry is constantly evolving and we have endeavoured to adapt quickly to meet all our customers’ requirements,” commented William.

“We are fortunate in that we have loyal customer base. A lot of our customers have been with us for over 10 years. We’re 100% about the service. We always strive to meet and exceed customers’ expectations, and being family run we can react quickly to customer demands and find creative solutions when needed.

He added: “Business is going pretty good at the moment. Obviously there is always the problem rate cutting, even in the face of galloping operational costs, I happen to believe also that the backload type websites, while great in concept provide little more to the industry than a further opportunity for customers to squeeze rates even further. You have to stand your ground, deliver a quality service and hope that your customers respect that Barron Transport is located on an arterial route outside Antrim town, five minutes from Belfast International Airport, 25 minutes from Larne and Belfast ports and two hours from Dublin.”

The company boasts a fleet of 30 vehicles, predominantly MercedesBenz, varying from a capacity of 1000kgs up to 44000kgs gross and 40 trailers, ten of which are specialist roller floor used for air cargo Transportation.

They provide the following services: transportation of goods to Ireland, UK and Europe, full and part loads; air

Barron Transport is a family run business

cargo transportation, 2 man white glove home delivery service, warehousing, vehicle hire and maintenance.

Barron Transport can provide 20,000 sq. ft. of secure warehousing space on their site which is staffed 24 hours a day.

Barron Transport’s workforce currently consists of 25 employees, most of whom have been with them for many years. The firm provide good working conditions which encourages their staff to remain with the company and offer the best in customer service.

“Our business has always grown organically. Air freight services are a large part of the business and our location by the main airport in Northern Ireland has helped strengthen our services, particularly given the last minute demands that this area of transport inevitably can produce. We tend to take it as it comes and the variety of services we can provide

helps manage the peaks and troughs in demand always present within the haulage industry. The past few years have seen the demand for direct home delivery grow, helped by the growing trend for internet purchases, we hope to continue our growth within this sector and firmly believe that attention to detail and delivering on our promises is key.

He added: “And we treat the retailer’s customer as our own customer basically. If they come back to the retailer, the retailer comes back to us.”

In over 40 years of trading our company has grown and thrived on the business principle that each and every job undertaken is carried out to the complete satisfaction of the customer.

As a company trading in an ultra competitive service driven industry, Barron Transport strive to maintain industry leading standards that surpass customer expectations at all times.

CONTACT DETAILS: Barron Transport Services Ltd 136 Dublin Road, Antrim BT41 4SA Phone: 028 9446 3702 Fax: 028 9446 0997

The firm offers a fully trained 2 man white glove home delivery service

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Email: info@barrontransport.com Website: http://www.barrontransport.co.uk

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