merrion street

Minister of State for Transport Hildegarde Naughton TD has today launched a public consultation on a Ten-Year Strategy for the Haulage Sector – the first of its kind for Ireland.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop such a Strategy and this consultation document is the first step. This will be the first time a strategy focused specifically on the haulage sector has been developed in Ireland.

Launching the consultation Minister Naughton commented:

“The haulage sector plays a vitally important socio-economic role. This has been demonstrated more than ever during the current Covid crisis, throughout which road hauliers have continued to keep supply chains open both nationally and internationally.

The Government’s aim is to develop a strategy that will help the sector raise standards and improve efficiency over the coming decade. Decarbonising the haulage sector poses a particular challenge and the sector has an important role to play as we move towards a low-carbon future.

There are a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in the sector and I would encourage all to contribute to the public consultation on what will be the first strategy of its kind for Ireland.”

The consultation document details the current Covid and Brexit challenges facing the sector and outlines other important policy issues facing the sector. Decarbonisation, road safety, infrastructure, labour market and integrated transport topics are all covered.

Haulage operators and HGV drivers, as well as those working in the wider logistics and supply chain sectors including in further education and academia, as well as members of the public, are all encouraged to contribute to this public consultation and provide ideas and feedback. Participants are also asked to raise any additional issues, which they believe may assist in developing the appropriate policy for this vital sector.

The consultation is open for 12 weeks until the 2nd of July.

ENDS