The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is warning that many hauliers across the country continue to face significant day-to-day pressures despite receiving what the Association describes as “short-term cost supports.”

One its LinkedIn.com account the IRHA says that while recent support measures have been welcomed by operators across the industry, the reality is that many hauliers are still under pressure.

Issues including rising insurance premiums, increasing compliance costs, outdated tolling systems, port charges, barriers to attracting new drivers into the profession and the transition towards renewable fuels all continue to impact on the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector, the IRHA says.

The IRHA stresses that road transport underpins supply chains, support businesses in every county and plays a critical role in the wider Irish economy.

When pressures on operators increase, the effects are felt far beyond the transport sector itself.

The IRHA says it will continue to advocate for practical, long-term solutions that support a resilient, sustainable and competitive haulage industry for Ireland.