The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has confirmed it will not participate in fuel protests planned for Friday, 13 November, saying its focus remains on securing support for hauliers through negotiations with Government.
The association says it understands the frustration across the transport sector but is neither organising nor taking part in the planned action. It remains engaged with the Department of Transport and Government on practical, sustainable supports for haulage businesses.
The decision comes as The People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices group promotes another day of demonstrations over fuel prices and the cost of living.
Advertised plans include convoys along the M1, N2, M3, M4, M7 and N11 from 7.30am, with participants parking in towns and cities from 9am before dispersing at 7pm. The scale of participation and resulting disruption remain uncertain.
The IRHA’s position distinguishes the association’s approach from any decision by individual operators or drivers to join the demonstrations. Midlands 103 reports that, while the association will not participate, it will not actively discourage individual truck drivers or farmers from taking part.
For the association, continued engagement with ministers remains its chosen route to addressing the pressures facing haulage businesses. Its statement says ongoing discussions are aimed at securing workable support for the sector.
- Every key deadline: diesel rebate, fuel excise, carbon tax
- Tick-box checklist for tacho, CVRT, CPC & operator licence
- Where drivers get caught at RSA roadside checks
Friday’s planned protests also coincide with an informal meeting of EU heads of state or government in Dublin, adding to the potential operational difficulties for hauliers serving the capital.
Garda security restrictions around the Convention Centre will remain in place until Friday evening, with no through traffic permitted within designated zones. Operators making deliveries in the area should check access arrangements with customers ahead of travel.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has warned that road blockages affecting motorways, critical infrastructure or summit locations will not be tolerated. Gardaí say they will facilitate lawful, peaceful protest but will respond to obstruction.
Transport managers should allow for possible delays on the advertised convoy routes and check Garda traffic updates before dispatching vehicles on Friday, particularly where journeys involve time-sensitive deliveries or ferry connections.
