Hauliers have no truck with Brexit
THOUSANDS of people visited the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) conference in Wexford town recently, with Brexit high on the agenda.
The conference and annual meeting of the body took place in Clayton Whites Hotel on Friday and Saturday, March 24 and March 25 and is one of the biggest conferences to take place in the region each year, drawing hauliers from across the 32 counties.
The conference began with the Wright Insurance Brokers Seminar which is widely respected by haulage operators and has built a reputation for highlighting the insurance issues that will hit the sector and where possible identifying potential solutions.
This gives haulage operators the opportunity to review their own business model and make changes where they identify problematic areas.
Haulage operators heard about the perils of fraudulent claims and of the need to safeguard themselves against migrants trying to access their vehicles and migrant claims. Economist Jim Power spoke about the consequences of Brexit and the IRHA annual accounts were passed. A fashion show featuring TV3 models followed, with clothes from Si Jolie Boutique on show.
On Saturday IRHA President Verona Murphy gave the keynote address in which she highlighted the need for hauliers to be included in discussions on any binding deals that are made about tolls and other costs relating to travel through Britain. Ms Murphy also spoke about insurance issues and the shortage of drivers. She said the IRHA is trying to get permits for non-EU drivers, adding that currently the body are not included on the eligibility register and are waiting for certification.
On Saturday Ms Murphy was re-elected IRHA President, while Tom Antonissen was appointed the body’s European Union representative. 550 people attended the gala dinner on the Saturday night.
Ms Murphy said the conference was a great success, with Brexit high on the agenda. ‘On the Saturday morning we discussed how we need to be recognised as essential users of the roads in the UK and the need for reductions in tolls and Brexit and all that entails, along with customs and delays issues. ‘We will be the voice of all hauliers. We are primarily part of the consultation committee. We are the advisers of the industry to government. We will be preparing a budget proposal to safeguard our members against costs.’
She said there are around 200 hauliers in County Wexford between drivers who own one vehicle to companies that own over 200. Ms Murphy said: ‘We had a very positive mood from our members over the weekend. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the conference was a great boost to the town, with all the shopoping that ensued and the bed nights.’
She said the IRHA received great support from Wexford County Council and Wexford Chamber of Commerce.