THE MINISTER FOR Transport has issued a stern warning to hauliers who carried out a lightning protest this morning at Dublin’s Port Tunnel, asking them to call off further action.
Paschal Donohoe said he will not meet with hauliers if they stick to plans to carry out similar action.
This morning’s action, organised by the Irish Road Haulage Association, was in protest at the rate of commercial vehicle road tax.
Recent changes to the same system in the United Kingdom has resulted in lower rates there, sparking fears of an exodus of Irish drivers.
The association warned today they will “ramp up” their protests if action is not taken by the Government, and called for a meeting with the Minister.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Six One, Minister Donohoe said:
The threat of activity like that, and such action, should be rescinded. When that happens I’ll meet them again, along with Minister Noonan.
He stressed that the sector is important, employing as many as 50,000, and that the Government has shown its commitment by bringing in a fuel rebate scheme.
“That said, the activity this morning, disrupted our city, will do damage to our economy, while I am very happy and need to engage with this issue… it’s crucial that what we saw happen this morning does not happen again,” he said.
The two sides have met previously on various issues in the run-up to the Budget, and that a Working Group has been set-up. However, the IRHA believe that no progress has been made.
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