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.”

Speaking at the Institute’s annual dinner and awards ceremony in Dublin last Thursday night Mallee called on the Government to maintain funding for lifelong learning courses such as those offered by

the CILT to allow professionals up-skill and provide them with the necessary knowledge to develop their capabilities for a sector that is crucial to the competitiveness of the national economy.

“As a Nation, we should work towards and support the concept of continuous professional development to foster and grow the knowledge economy we have created.”

“Historically, FAS provided funding of up to 70 per cent for students enrolled on our Diploma and Certificate programmes. Our National economic circumstances have seen this support fall away recently but I sincerely hope that a return to these vital funding mechanisms will coincide with any upturn in the economy.”

“The professional qualifications that we offer are unique, and benefit the entire economy. The supply chains that our students learn to mange belong to some of the many celebrated multinational companies who have decided to locate here in Ireland precisely because of the specialist training, education, and dedication of our workforce.”

“Our economy must ensure that this expertise is fostered and developed so as to ensure the continued presence of many of the multinational companies that are currently supporting our economy, and provide our best hope of building towards recovery.”

“I would like to appeal, therefore, to the Government to maintain funding for training and lifelong learning courses such as those we operate to ensure that professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for recovery. I am fully aware of the new financial reality, but I think that if education and the development of the Smart Economy are the priorities, then we should continue to resource the education sector to the best of our abilities.”

The Irish Logistics and Transport Awards recognise the world class excellence of individuals, companies and operators in the Irish transport and logistics sector who help create and sustain a competitive edge for the Irish economy.

The awards will be held at a gala dinner in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 11th February 2010.