The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has said it will not be participating in a planned fuel protest, set to take place on Tuesday.

In a statement issued at lunchtime on Monday the IRHA said: “We fully understand, empathise with, and share the frustration felt across the sector. Hauliers and transport operators continue to face significant challenges due to increased fuel prices and rising operating costs.”

 “However, the IRHA wishes to make it clear that, at this point in time, we are not involved in the organisation of this protest and will not be participating.”

 “Our focus remains on constructive engagement with the Department of Transport to deliver supports for our members.”

“We had a very engaging meeting with Minister O’Brien last Friday. We will be meeting him again shortly, along with officials from the Department. We are keeping the lines of communication open and working on delivering further supports for our members to mitigate against surging fuel prices.”

“The Minister has committed to looking at potential options that may need to be deployed. The IRHA is actively involved in ongoing discussions with Government to secure practical, sustainable supports for the haulage sector. We believe dialogue — not disruption — is the most effective way to deliver real solutions for our members and the wider industry at this point in time.”

“We will continue to represent the interests of our members and to work towards further supports that address cost pressures while maintaining the smooth operation of essential supply chains.”