'Not the time to withdraw fuel supports' say haulage association ahead of annual conference

All roads will lead to Killarney for the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) annual conference next month, with the event coming at what industry leaders are describing as a defining moment for the future of Irish road transport.

All roads will lead to Killarney for the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) annual conference next month, with the event coming at what industry leaders are describing as a defining moment for the future of Irish road transport.

The conference, on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5, will bring together senior Government figures, policymakers and industry leaders for what is expected to be a significant discussion on the future direction of the transport sector.

Minister for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Darragh O'Brien, will address delegates at the conference gala dinner on Saturday evening, alongside Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney.

IRHA president Ger Hyland said the conference comes at a watershed moment for the transport industry and cautioned that government plans to unwind fuel supports risk placing unsustainable pressures on hauliers already facing escalating costs.

Mr Hyland has appealed to the government to listen to the transport sector and delay any withdrawal of the supports until peace is achieved in the Middle East.

"The attendance of both ministers with responsibility for transport underlines the importance of the issues facing our industry. 

"Hauliers are once again dealing with rising fuel prices at a time when operating costs remain exceptionally high," Mr Hyland said.

"We believe now is not the time to withdraw fuel supports, and that message will be delivered directly to government during our conference.” 

Mr Hyland warned that any decision to wind down fuel supports at this time "would drive inflation and have a severe impact on households and families across the country who would see higher food, and transport costs – driving the cost of living crisis to unsustainable levels". 

"Adding 30 cents back onto a litre of fuel will mean that many haulage businesses simply will not make it to Christmas," he added. 

Other political speakers at the event will include Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae, who will address delegates on Friday evening and Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who will speak on Saturday afternoon.

Independent TD Carol Nolan and Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly will also attend the conference.

Outside the Gleneagle Hotel, a major display of vintage trucks will celebrate Ireland's haulage heritage, while manufacturers and suppliers will showcase the latest heavy goods vehicles, trailers and transport technology.