Hauliers warn of fuel price protest

ONE of the country’s largest transport organisations has demanded an emergency meeting with Transport Minister Seamus Brennan this week amid threats of widespread fuel protests.

Eamonn Morrissey, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), said operators were becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of Government action to combat rising fuel prices.

He claimed the Government was taking over 50% of the cost of a litre of fuel in taxes yet doing little to ease the plight of motorists and hauliers.

The price of a litre of unleaded petrol broke the e1 barrier last week, with some stations charging as much as €1.09.

“Transport operators have already started protests in the United States and they are already being planned in Britain,” he said.

“We will have no other alternative but to come out fighting if we are forced into a corner.

“Our position on this is unequivocal and we know we have the backing of the public on this issue. They are looking for leadership on this and we will give it.”

Mr Morrissey also condemned the National Roads Authority (NRA) for its demands on increased tolling and funding to complete vital infrastructural projects against the backdrop of rising fuel costs.

“It’s time for the NRA and the Government to realise that the cow has been milked dry,” he said.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that the NRA can have the gall to come out looking for more money when motorists and hauliers are facing into a fuel crisis the like of which we have not seen in more than a decade,” he added.