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 will bring together 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 and cautioned that Government plans to unwind fuel supports risk placing unsustainable pressures on hauliers already facing escalating costs.

According to Hyland, “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. We believe now is not the time to withdraw fuel supports, and that message will be delivered directly to Government during our conference. 

Hyland went on to say, “Any decision to wind down fuel supports at this time would drive inflation and have a severe impact on households and families across the country who would see higher food, and transport costs – driving the cost of living crisis to unsustainable levels. Adding 30 cents back onto a litre of fuel will mean that many haulage businesses simply will not make it to Christmas”

Hyland appealed to the government to listen to the transport sector and delay any unwinding of the supports until a more stable peace is achieved in the Middle East.

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, decarbonisation and the future of Ireland’s supply chain.