The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) will hold its Annual Conference at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5, 2026, at what industry leaders are describing as a defining moment for the future of Irish road transport.
Thousands of hauliers and transport operators from across the country are expected to roll into Killarney for the two-day event, which comes as the sector grapples with rising fuel costs, increasing regulatory pressures and growing concerns over the future competitiveness of Irish haulage.
The conference, whose main sponsor is Westward Scania Importers Ireland, will bring together hauliers, senior Government figures, policymakers and industry leaders for what is expected to be a significant discussion on the future direction of the transport sector.
Minister for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, will address delegates at the conference gala dinner on Saturday evening, alongside Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD.
Other political speakers include Michael Healy-Rae TD, who will address delegates on Friday evening, and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who will speak on Saturday afternoon. Carol Nolan TD and Sean Kelly MEP will also attend the conference.
Outside the Gleneagle Hotel, a major display of vintage trucks will celebrate Ireland’s rich haulage heritage, while manufacturers and suppliers will showcase the latest heavy goods vehicles, trailers and transport technology, creating one of the country’s largest public displays of commercial vehicles for public viewing.
IRHA President Ger Hyland said this year’s conference comes at a watershed moment for the transport industry adding that the haulage sector is stronger when they work together.
Mr Hyland said: “The attendance of both Ministers with responsibility for transport underlines the importance of the issues facing our industry. Hauliers are once again dealing with rising fuel prices at a time when operating costs remain exceptionally high. Our costs are simply too high, and that message will be delivered directly to Government during our conference. I would urge all members to attend what is a critical conference for our industry and a unique opportunity for all hauliers to have a say in the future direction of the Irish transport industry.”
With senior ministers, TDs, MEPs and transport operators gathering in one place, the IRHA Annual Conference is expected to generate significant discussion on fuel policy, fuel supports, transport regulation, hauliers cost base, decarbonisation and the future of Ireland’s supply chain.
