This week’s Budget 2021 did little to give the road haulage industry any confidence Eamon Ryan TD., the Minister for Transport and his efforts to green the industry.
Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) expressed that management and membership of the organisation are disappointed at the introduction of a carbon tax regime, without a clear path on a fuel rebate system. He said that members are keen to play their part in protecting the environment. “However, our Minister has so far not agreed to meet with us, we know the headline on his agenda will be the environment and advancing sustainable transport. We are with him on this, but we will not be bounced into an unsustainable situation.”
While the IRHA has not yet issued a statement following the Budget, it is concerned about the next few months in terms of the effect of Brexit and the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 on road transport operations. While it is expected that the IRHA will issue a statement next week about the situation facing the industry, one thing is clear though is that the IRHA needs the Minister to engage with them.
