Rising fuel costs, transport regulation, decarbonisation and the future of Ireland’s supply chain are among the key issues being discussed at the annual conference of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) in Killarney, Co Kerry.
Thousands of hauliers and transport operators from across Ireland have gathered for the event as the industry faces mounting operating costs and growing concerns about its competitiveness.
The second day of the conference is expected to focus heavily on fuel supports and the Government’s plans for the transport sector. Industry representatives are also due to discuss regulation, the transition towards lower-carbon transport and the challenges facing Ireland’s supply chains.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien is scheduled to address delegates at the conference gala dinner alongside Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae officially opened the conference at the Gleneagle Hotel on Thursday evening. MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is due to speak this afternoon, while Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan and MEP Seán Kelly are also attending.
The event also features a large display of vintage trucks outside the hotel, highlighting Ireland’s long haulage tradition. Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are showcasing heavy goods vehicles, trailers and new transport technology, creating one of the country’s largest public displays of commercial vehicles.
IRHA President Ger Hyland described the current period as a “watershed moment” for the industry and said the presence of two ministers responsible for transport showed the importance of the challenges facing hauliers.
Mr Hyland warned against removing existing fuel supports while fuel prices and other business expenses remain high.
“Hauliers are once again dealing with rising fuel prices at a time when operating costs remain exceptionally high,” he said.
He said the association believes the Government should maintain the supports and warned that withdrawing them could put severe financial pressure on transport companies.
Mr Hyland also said higher fuel costs would eventually affect consumers through increased prices for food and transport.
He warned that restoring 30 cents to the price of a litre of fuel could leave some haulage businesses struggling to survive until the end of the year.
The IRHA president called on the Government to postpone any reduction in fuel supports until conditions in the Middle East become more stable.
The association is expected to use the conference to press ministers and policymakers on the wider economic pressures facing the sector, while seeking measures that will allow Irish hauliers to remain competitive during a period of rising costs and major changes across the transport industry.