SIMI appoints new president

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry today elected Noel Daly, managing director of O'Mara Motors Limerick as president for the coming year.

Speaking at the Society's AGM today, he highlighted the taxation burden borne by the Irish motorist.

"Ireland has one of the highest motor taxation regimes in Europe, garnering a huge return for the Government, and yet motorists here suffer one of worst transport infrastructure systems in Europe," Mr Daly said.

"The Irish motorist contributes almost €4.8bn annually to the exchequer in motor-related taxation and yet investment in road infrastructure is a fraction of this."

He added: "Irish motorists are paying substantially more for their vehicles than their European counterparts. Motorists here are often left feeling exasperated by the problems caused by our poor transport infrastructure. It's now time for the Government to give motorists value for their money."