Hauliers threaten Spanish-style road blockades

THE country’s roads may be blockaded by lorries within a fortnight in protests similar to those paralysing Spain.

The Irish Road Hauliers Association (IRHA) will meet with the Government in the coming days to discuss ways of cutting fuel bills which are crippling haulage firms across the country.

The hauliers will put a number of suggestions to the Department of Transport, including the reduction of taxation on diesel purchased for commercial usage. IRHA will also demand the Government take immediate steps to eradicate the high level of illegal haulage which, it claims, accounts for up to a quarter of the trucks on Irish roads.