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Irish win trading talks

13th August 1998
Page 9
Page 9, 13th August 1998 — Irish win trading talks
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Brendan Nolan

• Irish hauliers, who brought Dublin Port to a standstill last summer, have persuaded their government to order a study into the problems they face.

Detailed questionnaires are going out to hauliers across the Republic asking about the trading conditions (particularly rates) that led them to blockade the port in June 1997.

The action was sparked by a rates row with shipping companies and anger following the collapse of Bell Lines, which went down owing hauliers £17m. The then transport minister pledged a review of the industry at the time, and a review group was set up.

The Irish Road Haulage Association claims that in some cases haulage rates in the port have not risen in 12 years. But it cannot directly negotiate on the operators' grievances because ELI competition laws state that haulage firms should be in competition with one another.

IRHA president John Guilfoylc has urged his members to fill in their questionnaires and return them promptly to consultants who will analyse the results.

The IRHA, the shipping companies, and the Irish government all have representatives on the review group.

LI The IRHA has received just 15 replies to the questionnaire it sent to its own members on a proposed day of action.

The association asked if members agreed with a day of action; if they would provide a vehicle; and if they would agree that disruption should be minimised.

Following this dismal response, the IRHA said it would be hard to see the executive finding the enthusiasm to organise a day of action for hauliers.


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