Irish want tighter haulage controls
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IRISH Road Haulage Association officials are concerned at the failure of the Irish Government to enforce the Republic's transport laws. Mr Seamus Kelly, of Borris, Co Carlow, who is the chairman of the IRHA law enforcement committee, told CM this week : "We have constant meetings with Government departments; but they are futile and meaningless.
"Even when we present the officials with proof of illegal activities they do nothing. Properly licensed hauliers are being undercut by unlicensed companies, and often with the assistance of the State." Mr Kelly blamed the CIE, the State transport company, for employing unlicensed operators. "Because CIE is not required to hold a licence it does not require to employ licensed carriers," he added.
The IRHA is also critical of Dublin's reaction to its objection to foreign vehicles from Britain and Ulster being used on Irish haulage. Because of exceptionally high standing charges in the Republic— vehicles can cost up to 50 per cent more, and excise tax is 33 per cent more—vehicles from Britain and Ulster can legally undercut haulage charges in the Republic.