Hauliers seek duty rebate to offset rising fuel prices

The Irish Road Haulage Association has called for government measures to help truckers hit by rising fuel prices.

The association has claimed record oil prices are forcing many of its members off the road.

Prices are expected to rise even further this week as the US Gulf Coast continues to recover from Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the oil industry in the region.

IRHA spokesman Jimmy Quinn said truckers were "suffering death by a thousand cuts" and wanted the Government to provide a duty rebate to offset increased fuel costs.