Irish reforms for a competitive edge
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by Patric Cunnane • The Irish government has delivered sweeping reforms to the country's haulage industry which hauliers say will make it more competitive.
Irish transport minister Emmet Stagg, told hauliers at the Irish Road Haulage conference in Killarney this week that the government plans to introduce continuous licensing accompanied by a "one-stop shop" for licensing and plating, higher financial levels necessary for entry to the industry and tougher laws for foreign operators working in Ireland. The government will introduce the reforms immediately and also plans to make consignors liable where overloading is proved to be their fault.
Incoming IRHA president James Quinn welcomes the reforms as a better deal for Irish hauliers. Now they receive their licences from the Irish Department of Transport, but have to apply to the Gardai for their licence plates. Stagg says that continuous licensing will allow international operators to qualify on a permanent basis, subject to occasional spot checks.