Mayo County Council has teamed up with An Garda Siochana to support the “Are you tired? -take a break” campaign.

Pillows provided by a local business, Northern Feathers in Westport will be handed out by volunteers at various Garda check points throughout the County, bearing the campaign slogan along with road safety leaflets.

The promotion is aimed at addressing the usual increase in driver fatigue incidents reported around Bank Holiday weekends and Mayo road safety officer Noel Gibbons hopes it will act as a reminder to be well rested before driving and to pull in and take a break if you are feeling tired.

“We want to help get the message out that there not to drive when feeling tired. No-one should ever take the risk,” said David Coakley from Northern Feathers’ factory outlet in Westport.

The agreement notably includes the setting of criteria for security and service quality levels, public display of LABEL test audits of TPAs and the support from IRU and ITF to ensure the sustainability of LABEL TPA standards and certification, involving all competent governmental and non-governmental authorities, as well as business partners at national and international levels.

All partners will be encouraged to enter TPAs location and available services into TRANSPark, a web-based application jointly developed by the IRU and ITF to help drivers / operators to identify and locate safe parking areas best suited for their needs along their routes.

If you held a full driving licence before 10th of September 2009 you are automatically entitled to Driver CPC. If you’re a new driver you’ll have to pass the Driver CPC examination.

All drivers, new and existing will be required to keep this qualification by attending a day training day per year.

For more information visit www.rsa.ie

Tel. (096) 25015; or locall 1890 50 60 80

Email: cpc@rsa.ie

The Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme forms Phase 2 of the Limerick Southern Ring Road and connects Phase 1 at Rossbrien on the south side of the city to the N18 Ennis Road on the west and is part of the National Roads Authority’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.

The concession contract was awarded to the Direct Route (Limerick) Ltd Consortium in August 2006 and they hold the concession for a 35 year period. This project has been funded by the Irish Government under National Development Plan 2007-2013 and Transport 21.

Speaking at the opening An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, said: “The new Limerick tunnel is an historic crossing under the river Shannon. It is a key element in our national road infrastructure and is vitally important to the people of the Mid-West. As the world economy improves, it is important to remember all the positive things happening in our country. More than €1.4 billion will be spent this year on our national, regional and local road infrastructure. This level of investment provides a much needed fiscal stimulus around the country and also helps maintain thousands of jobs. The delivery of these vital routes has transformed our national road network beyond all recognition. This investment will make us more competitive and help support jobs and economic growth as the global economy recovers”

Noel Dempsey, TD, Minister for Transport, said: “The Limerick Tunnel is the outcome of many years of vision and effort. It is one of the largest infrastructural projects ever undertaken in the Mid-West region. It will provide a fourth crossing of the river Shannon in Limerick and improve access times for commuters to the city, as well as access to Shannon Airport, Galway, Cork, Kerry and Dublin. By the end of 2010 all our major cities, together with towns and villages between them will be accessible via a world class road network, which will offer safer and more reliable travel for people. I wish a safe journey to everyone travelling on this motorway and I ask all who drive on it to behave courteously to other road users.”

DFDS Seaways is now also the new name for all ferry services previously known as Norfolkline.

DFDS Seaways is now one of Europe’s largest ferry companies with a modern fleet of over 60 ships and an extensive route network which operates across the Irish Sea, English Channel, North Sea and Baltic Sea, as well as providing terminal services at several major ports.

The first visible display of the new DFDS Seaways can now be seen on the Irish Sea, the Maersk Exporter which operates on the Belfast – Heysham service, has been renamed ‘Scotia Seaways’ and completely rebranded.

The ship, in its striking new colours of blue and white with the DFDS Seaways logo on the ship’s funnel, is the first of the Irish Sea vessel fleet to be rebranded. The remaining six ships in the Irish Sea fleet, which operate on routes between Belfast, Dublin, Heysham and Liverpool (Birkenhead) will be renamed and rebranded in a phased programme.

Jens Skibsted Nielsen, Vice President of DFDS Seaways, commented, “We are delighted with the new look Scotia Seaways. The extensive European route network which DFDS Seaways now offers combined with our commitment to service and value, will provide both our passenger and freight customers with enhanced service levels and greater choice. We look forward to this new and exciting era for our Irish Sea services”.

The stand design is inspired by the renowned scientist, inventor, artist and sculptor, Leonardo de Vinci – with the centre of the stand featuring a depiction of Vitruvian Man.

Staff across the 2,700 m2 stand will also be using the latest iPad technology to help convey information about Iveco’s extensive vehicle range to visitors from around the world.

The theme of the company’s stand will be “Driving innovation to reality” – a statement that signifies the fact that in recent years some of the most important technological innovations made by Iveco – such as electric vehicle and hybrid drive technology – have become commercially available. As a further testament to this, many of these vehicles now bear the livery of major Iveco customers who use them across Europe in a diverse array of applications.

The Iveco stand will be split into three sections: urban, medium & long distance and off-road. In the urban section four EcoDaily light commercials in different variants will be exhibited, including a zero-emission EcoDaily Electric van. Additionally, Irisbus, Iveco’s bus and coach division will be displaying a 12 metre series hybrid Citelis bus which uses a diesel engine to drive an electric generator working with batteries to drive the vehicle. This Citelis is capable of reducing emissions by up to 30 per cent and contributing significantly to improving air quality in cities.

The medium and long distance section will be devoted to the Stralis, Iveco’s flagship, which will be shown in multiple configurations to highlight its versatility. Taking pride of place on display will be a new enhanced productivity version of the Stralis, which will be enjoying its world premiere. It has been designed to make a major contribution to the sustainability of road transport and is technologically advanced – helping to optimise performance, reduce fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions to a minimum.

Amongst the vehicles on show in the off-road area will be an example of the Trakker, which is popular in quarries and construction sites all over the world. It will be joined by the Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV), which Iveco has designed for tactical military applications and peacekeeping missions.

In keeping with the company’s theme “Driving Innovation to Reality”, and developed in collaboration with the Fiat Research Centre, Iveco will display the Iveco Glider, a technology platform which explores the boundaries of excellence in productivity and environmental impact.

Iveco will also be demonstrating its innovative Blue & Me Fleet system, which is built on a Fiat-Microsoft platform and developed in partnership with Qualcomm, global leader in web-based solutions for managing vehicle fleets.

Richard Lee Compliant and Enforcement Manager of the DOE in Northern Ireland has recently accepted the use of a decelerometer for heavy goods inspection sheet brake testing.

Richard stateded: “I can confirm that a decelerometer may be adequate for checking brake efficiency on some vehicles especially if it

is linked to a printer and a record of the brake test can be recorded. This would be consistent with our Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness which has a section (5) detailing safety inspection and repair facilities.”

The DOE is now advising commercial vehicle operators, commercial repairers and in house workshops to complete regular inspection sheet brake test.

BrakeCheck will conduct a service, secondary and parking brake test with ease and store in its memory for later printing via PC or portable printer.

The move follows an overwhelming surge in noise complaints from tonal alarms and the huge success of their unique and patented white sound reversing alarms (bbs-tek).

Tom Brett, marketing director of Brigade explains: “In 1976 when we introduced the first reversing alarm to Europe, there was no alternative. The shrill beeping warned of imminent danger and thus saved lives but with so many vehicles now fitted with reversing alarms, it has gained the reputation of causing a noise nuisance and even confusion. With white sound – you only hear it when it matters!”

White sound reversing alarms are safer because you can pin point the exact location from where a vehicle is reversing and can actually hear the direction it is moving in. This prevents worker disorientation and reduces the likelihood of workers disconnecting the vital reversing aid due to noise nuisance.

Stewart Dodd, workshop team leader at Dundee City council operates a fleet of vehicles servicing various sectors of the community. He said: “We fit white sound reversing alarms to everything, from vans to 32 tonne hook loaders. The alarms are good for vehicles going out early in the morning, especially refuse vehicles. The last thing people want to hear is tonal beeping alarms. The localised sound at the back of the vehicle alerts people and pedestrians without waking up residents.”

White sound reversing alarms are now used world wide from Hanson Aggregates quarry machines, Sainsbury’s distribution lorries to BAA vehicle buggies. In New York City it is the only reversing alarm permitted on construction vehicles

Brigade’s vision is to ensure that every commercial vehicle is fitted with a white sound alarm to reduce reversing fatalities.

The addition of the Limerick Tunnel means that Easytrip customers can now avail of the company’s service on a total of 10 toll roads or bridges and 16 car parks across Ireland.

The Easytrip service is based on a small electronic tag for both parking and tolling, which customers install onto their windscreen. When motorists enter car parks the barriers lift automatically, and the tariff is deducted from their account on exit from the car park. Easytrip customers who also avail of the parking service enjoy the benefits of convenient parking without the need for cash, no need to queue at the pay station and no need to take a ticket.

The Limerick Tunnel will bypass Limerick city connecting the Dublin Road, N7 to the Ennis Road – N18. The Limerick Tunnel is capable of handling up to 40,000 vehicles per day.

The Tunnel will improve access times for commuters to the various industrial estates as well as access to Shannon Airport, Galway, Dublin and Cork. “Our existing and new customers will soon be able to enjoy a smoother commute, with less traffic congestion and much quicker access to Shannon Airport, Galway, Dublin and Cork,” said Ciara O’Brien, general manager, Easytrip Services Ireland.

“Over the past few months, we have seen the method of paying tolls electronically becoming more and more prevalent as further roads, tunnels and car parks come on board. Irish motorists are really starting to enjoy the benefits of ticket, cash and hassle free commuting and now the Limerick region can avail of this even further with the opening of the tunnel,” she concluded.

The Irish Times reports that three VRT categories are under consideration – M1 or passenger car, N1 type commercial vehicle with a 13.3 per cent VRT rate and N2 type with VRT rate of €50.

“What we are concerned about is that certain types of commercial vehicles, such as small panel vans, which are essential to the small and medium enterprise sector may fall into the N1 category. These vehicles have always being in the €50 group,” SIMI Director General Alan Nolan is quoted as saying.

“We will have to wait for the Budget for confirmation but I think progress has been made on this and that some modifications may be introduced.”

The changes are planned to be introduced on January 1st.

CILT President Paul welcomed the commitment and called on the government to further incentivise this innovative sector in line with the Smart Economy strategy. In doing so, he said, Ireland could become a “global test bed for alternative transport fuels.”

“The transport sector must capitalise on the Government’s enthusiasm for sustainable transport options and demonstrate the added-value this can bring in terms of fostering growth and supporting their Smart Economy strategy,”

“Developments in this area are likely to focus on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as the forerunner to electric vehicles, but progress in this area remains painstakingly slow due to cost implications. Bio-fuels or compressed natural gas forming part of the fuel mix will also provide for transition or even longer term solutions. Now is the time to consider the options.

“Our industry must work with Government to identify ways of incentivising and prioritising its development. In doing so, this will help create jobs in an emerging high-end sector, alongside the obvious environmental benefits. Ireland should become a test bed and pioneer in developing transport fuel alternatives.”

The companies are conducting feasibility studies regarding four strategic areas that are not brand-related. The studies cover the potential for:

* Scania to adapt its manual gearbox for use in MAN trucks

* Scania to use MAN’s rear axle for heavy applications (36-40 tonnes) and its transfer cases in Scania trucks

* Commodities without affecting brand identity

* Scania and MAN to pursue joint research on hybrid components for heavy trucks and buses

Detailed evaluations to determine the potential for cost savings will be carried out in the course of further talks.

Leif Östling, President and CEO of Scania, commented: “After a preliminary analysis, we have concluded that with this kind of joint component supply there are potential synergies without jeopardising our strong brand identities and the individuality of our products. Both companies and all shareholders should profit from the collaboration.”

A final collaboration agreement between Scania AB and MAN SE will be subject the approval of the Scania board of directors.

Drivers that miss the September 10 by that date will have to explain to the Road Safety Authority why they did not take the first training module.

“Any professional driver that missed their first module will need to contact the RSA CPC unit with a reason as to why they missed the module. Once this is done the RSA will confirm that they can undertake another module within the second year with their RSA Approved Driver CPC Modular Training Venue. If they do not register then the second Module will be classed as null and void,| Eric Hanlon, HGV/Coach Operations Supervisor, ISM Training Services explained.

If you have any queries regarding the Driver CPC email the Editor.

All queries and responses will be published on hgvireland.com For more information on the Driver CPC, click on the ISM Training Services button advertisement on this page.

Further to the launch of the IRU TIR electronic pre-declaration system, (IRU TIR-EPD) in both Latvia and Lithuania, it is now possible for all TIR Carnet holders to process their TIR data in advance and free-of-charge, via the internet, from 11 EU countries located along the eastern border (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia).

IRU Head of TIR Department, Marek Retelski, said, “This is a major achievement to further reinforce the computerisation and security of the TIR System worldwide, in the interest of the transport industry, customs authorities, trade and the end customer. Indeed, IRU TIR-EPD not only saves time and money but it provides customs authorities with a sound risk-management tool, as they receive all the necessary data far in advance of TIR operations.”

As a result of intensive technical cooperation between the IRU, its national Member associations Latvijas Auto and LINAVA, as well as competent authorities of Latvia and Lithuania, the IRU TIR-EPD was successfully launched in these two additional countries, which are not only important users of the TIR System but are also neighbouring Belarus and the Russian Federation, two major TIR Contracting Parties outside the EU.

“We can only congratulate the Latvian and Lithuanian customs for their role in this achievement and encourage other Contracting Parties within or outside of the EU to join the IRU TIR-EPD,” Marek Retelski added.

The IRU TIR-EPD application allows road transport companies to save considerable amounts of time and money at border-crossings by rapidly providing all TIR data, free-of charge through a user-friendly internet platform to the relevant customs office, thus avoiding the very expensive services of intermediaries at the border.

The IRU TIR-EPD also helps authorities implement the International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Controls of Goods, reducing border waiting times by removing the necessity to process customs clearance at border-crossing points.

The IRU is currently working closely with numerous other countries to implement the TIR-EPD, including Belarus, France, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Boyle Transport Ltd, from Newry, Co. Down and 13 of its drivers appeared before the court. The drivers admitted to falsifying their tachograph records, but their bosses, Patrick Boyle, 64, Mark Boyle, 35 and Neil Boyle, 29, all pleaded not guilty to conspiring to make the false tacho readings, saying they had no idea what their drivers were doing.

They also denied aiding and abetting the 15 drivers to falsify their records.

And Patrick Boyle, the managing director, also pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice by attempting to dispose of tachograph vehicle units.

All the charges related to alleged tachograph offences between November 2007 and November 2008, but no details of the alleged offences were given in court.

The drivers were all released on bail and will be sentenced at the end of the trial of their employers.

The Revenue Commissioners and Department of Finance are planning to introduce a “type approval” system next year, in line with EU Directives, that will mean only vehicles with prior approval can be registered as LCVs.

A Revenue spokesman said the change was designed to bring the State into line with a number of European Directives on vehicle classification and would come into force on January 1st.

A spokesman for the Revenue Commissioners said provision for the changes were included in the Finance Act 2010.

A joint venture contract was signed in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Premier of the People’s Republic of China Wen Jiabao. The approval for the deal was granted by the relevant Chinese government authority.

“The joint venture with Foton Motor represents another key milestone in implementing our China strategy. It further strengthens our position to address all segments of the market. And it shows that we deliver what we promise taking full advantage of the enormous potential in China and other growth countries.” Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG comments about the signing ceremony.

“The NDRC approval of the joint venture with Foton Motor in China is a key milestone in Daimler Truck’s overall strategy,” said Andreas Renschler, member of Daimler’s Board of Management and Head of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses. “The joint venture offers us an excellent springboard from which we can achieve growth, profitability and expansion in China, and with Foton as a global partner, in the international markets as well.”

TISPOL President, Javier Sanchez Ferragut, said: “I am disappointed that the issue of drugs driving is not specifically included as a priority in the programme, as it is a major issue across Europe. As representatives of the enforcement community, we stressed to the European Commission the importance of including drugs driving in its programme, because we know this is a growing cause of death and serious injury on the roads in many European countries.

“It appears the Commission has missed a potentially significant opportunity to highlight the growing safety threat posed by drugs driving.”

Ferragut added: “We are pleased that the Commission recognises the importance of enforcement in their new plan. It is due to continued enforcement supported by effective education, particularly of the three main killers (excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt, drink- and drug-driving), that so much progress has been made in reducing deaths and serious injuries on Europe’s roads. However, there are still more than 35,000 people dying each year, and TISPOL believes sustained enforcement of the three main killers is a fundamental part of bringing down this figure by half in the decade to come.”

He continued: “We welcome the Commission’s commitment to prioritise the adoption of legally binding measures on the cross border exchange of information in the field of road safety, to allow for the identification and sanctioning of foreign offenders for seatbelts, speed, alcohol and traffic light offences. We have long recognised this topic as a priority, to deter those road users who visit other countries and ignore traffic laws because they see themselves as beyond punishment. We know that effective cross-border enforcement will make a significant contribution to saving lives on Europe’s roads.”

“Enforcement is a key measure and it has been proved beyond doubt that effective enforcement saves lives, especially when it supports an effective education campaign. TISPOL will use its extensive experience to support and encourage countries across Europe achieve the objectives set out in the plan.”

He noted: “We welcome the emphasis on training, education and enforcement. We have always argued it is not enough to train someone to pass a driving test but they must be trained to handle situations they will encounter, including driving on high speed roads and also at night.”

He concluded: “We welcome the emphasis on motorcyclists and share the Commission’s concerns for this vulnerable group.”

This unique and multi-award-winning safety system now has even greater capability: whereas the first-generation system applied the brakes automatically if it detected a risk of a head-to-tail collision with a slow-moving obstacle in front of the vehicle, Active Brake Assist 2 is also activated if a stationary obstacle is detected. Active Brake Assist has already proven its worth in more than 14,000 trucks and over a total of more than three billion kilometres on Europe’s roads.

Anti-lock braking system, acceleration skid control, disc brakes all round, electronically controlled braking system, high-pressure braking system, Brake Assist, Lane Assistant, roll control, proximity control – the list of safety technologies and systems that have celebrated their world premiere in Mercedes‑Benz trucks is a long one. One development highlight is the revolutionary Active Brake Assist system, which was introduced for the Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy-duty truck in 2006 and has since proven itself time and time again out on the road.

Many truck drivers have reported situations in which the safety system has prevented accidents. The experts are agreed: Active Brake Assist has saved lives – not only those of Actros drivers and occupants but also those of the people in the vehicles in front. Many insurance companies are also convinced that this system is good for their customers and, therefore, ultimately for themselves, prompting them to offer discounts on premiums for commercial vehicles equipped with this technology.

The new Active Brake Assist 2 system sets yet another milestone. Whereas the first-generation safety system only initiated emergency braking if there was a risk of a head-to-tail collision with a vehicle in front, Active Brake Assist 2 also applies the brakes if stationary obstacles are detected, for instance a suddenly encountered traffic tailback on the motorway. Daimler Trucks has therefore taken a further step towards realising its vision of accident-free driving, as part of its “Shaping Future Transportation” global initiative.

Citroën Motors Ireland is offering the Nemo and Berlingo First from just €7,995 (Nemo) and €8,995 (Berlingo First) until the 30th September 2010 excluding VAT.

This offer, available exclusively to Business customers, delivers a saving of €3,500 on the Nemo and €3,000 on the Berlingo First making both models two of the most affordable vans available in the Irish market today.

Winner of the International Van of the Year in 2009 the Nemo is a clever, economical van that is compact on the outside yet spacious on the inside. Ideally suited to urban driving, the Nemo is great for nipping in and out of heavy traffic. With a load volume of 2.5 cubic metres and a payload of 610kg the Nemo can compete with many of its larger rivals.

The Berlingo First combines the impressive functional qualities of an LCV – loading volume and payload, strength and economy with attractive styling. With a load volume of 2.7 cublic metres and a payload of 600kg it can carry loads up to 1.70 metres long and a sliding side door makes for easy loading.

With a further three acclaimed LCV models available in the range tNew Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay customers will be able to find a vehicle that matches all of their business requirements.

The enterprises are in services (26), manufacturing (15), retail (7) distribution (6) and Construction (1).

Mark Fielding, “It is ironic that in the week the ESRI outlined that there will be little or no net job creation in the economy over the next 12 months, small and medium businesses are bucking the trend. SME owner managers are starting the fight back, with evidence emerging of companies starting to create new employment despite the difficult trading conditions,” said ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding.

“While government subsidised big businesses grab all the political headlines, it is the smaller enterprises who are quietly getting on with real job creation and contributing to the economy, as they did in the late nineties when SMEs created 400,000 new jobs. The significance of the SME sector and the job creation potential that still exists within the sector and its importance to the economy, both locally and nationally, needs to be acknowledged and more importantly encouraged through a comprehensive and coherent stimulus package.”

In conclusion, Fielding stated “Is it too much to expect that the Government put together a ‘joined up’ plan for the Economy and recognizes that setting the right business platform for indigenous companies will inevitably lead to economic expansion and will in the process result in real jobs growth instead of the ‘jobless growth’ we are now experiencing”.

Through being active in seeking out vehicle technology that will enhance fuel efficiency and therefore reduce the company’s carbon emissions, MRCT has been able to offer added value to its customers.  Having certain ‘green’ credentials is undoubtedly advantageous when tendering for work, particularly with the multiple retailers who are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental and social responsibilities and this is something that has been recognised and acted upon by MRCT

Mr A D Moore, Joint Managing Director of MRCT explained, “Our philosophy is to be proactive to customer requirements and always look forward to the future, which allows us to offer the highest possible service levels…The purchase of eco-friendly vehicles with the most fuel-efficient engines and the Gray & Adams trailers with aerodynamic kits shows our commitment to working in partnership with our customers.

MRCT are currently trialling the two versions of the Gray & Adams Eco-Aer and are monitoring miles per gallon performance.  The basis of these results will allow MRCT to make informed decisions on future aerodynamic trailer purchases.

MRCT’s principles of understanding customer requirements and being proactive in service delivery have contributed to the growth of the company, from a small family-built business into the medium-sized multi-depot network that it is now, catering for all major retailers, food service suppliers and wholesale markets.  Depots are now located in Eye and Flixton in Suffolk, Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire and Willand in Devon.

Andrew Brown, General Sales Manager of Gray & Adams Doncaster, who has been looking after the MRCT account for many years, commented, “When I learnt of MRCT’s ambitions to become more ‘eco-friendly’ I saw the opportunity to provide them with our Eco-Aer solution to help cut carbon emissions.  MRCT’s adoption of the Eco-Aer specification proves that the kit is not just suitable for the big players in the industry – medium and small sized operations, and even single owner-operator businesses can benefit from the CO₂ and cost reducing features too”.

In May, Easytrip announced that all its customers would receive a 10% discount on parking charges at selected Q-Park car parks who offer the Easytrip service in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Belfast.  As part of the six week free trial, no monthly fee for the parking service was charged.

The Easytrip electronic tag can be used to pay tolls on a total of eleven toll roads nationwide and in 17 car parks across Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Limerick.   The Ilac Centre, one of Ireland’s busiest car parks is the latest car park to offer the Easytrip service to its customers, along with Four Courts Usher’s Quay, Dawson Street School House Lane, Dublin, St. Finbarr in Cork and Henry Street in Limerick.

All customers using the Parking Service automatically avail of the 10% discount in selected Q-Park car parks until the 31st December 2010.

The Easytrip service is based on a small electronic tag for both parking and tolling, which customers install onto their windscreen.  When motorists enter car parks the barriers lift automatically, and the tariff is deducted from their account on exit from the car park.  Easytrip customers who avail of the parking service enjoy the benefits of convenient parking without the need for cash, no need to queue at the pay station, no need to take a ticket.

“We have always been very conscious of offering our customers convenience along with the most competitive price,” said Ciara O’Brien, General Manager, Easytrip Services.  “It is encouraging to see such a high percentage of customers registering for our parking service, enjoying the convenience of paying for parking electronically, while also benefiting from a saving of 10% on their car parking charges,” she concluded.

To activate the parking service, customers can call 1890 67 67 68, email info@easytrip.ie, or text tag to 51500.  You can also log onto www.easytrip.ie for further information.

L-R Stefan Lindblom (Scania Sweden) Eric Kelly (second) Gabriel Warde (first) Robert Baker (third) Joe Crann (Westward Scania) and Patrick Kenny (Westward Scania).

Gabriel Warde from Bullaun, Loughrea scooped the top prize at the Irish finals, which were held at Westward Scania’s headquarters in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon on July 3, representatives from Scania Sweden were in attendance as were members of the Scania dealer network together with family and friends of the contestants.

Gabriel works for Cummer Transport, Galway, which has the haulage contract for Arrabawn Co-Op Dairies. Gabriel delivers milk to depots around the country. He follows his brother Alan (a Musgrave driver) who qualified for the Finals on two occasions in the past.

Gabriel now goes forward to represent Ireland in the European Finals to be held in October in Sweden and is in with a chance to win a new Scania R-series, International Truck of the Year 2010, worth €100,000.

Set up as part of a pan-European programme, the new Business Centre network underlines Citroën’s commitment to enhance the support provided to its SME (Small/Medium Enterprise) and National Fleet operator customers alike.

Business Centres are designed to build and support the Company’s presence in the small to medium LCV and car fleet sectors by offering these customers even more dedicated sales and aftersales services. They also support Citroën’s ambition to build a national fleet friendly network for aftersales support.

Andy Hall, Sales Operations Manager for Citroën Motors Ireland, commented: “Citroën is delighted to have launched its nationwide Business Centre network programme. The Company is committed to providing its business customers with the highest levels of service. The innovative Citroën Business Centre programme has been designed to provide the resources necessary to meet this requirement. Our customers are professional and therefore expect professional products and service. With the establishment of the Citroën Business Centre network, we are confident that we will be able provide this professional service and attract even more customers to our brand.”

These Business Centres will offer an expanded range of services, complementing those already offered by the existing Citroën dealer network. Dealers that have been appointed as Citroën Business Centres will have made a commitment, investing in additional facilities, stocking, personnel and specialist training.