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EC moves on beef trade

29th January 1998
Page 10
Page 10, 29th January 1998 — EC moves on beef trade
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Sally Nash • Hauliers in Northern Ireland have given a cautious welcome to news that the European Commission looks likely to allow the resumption of some beef exports out of the province. Michael Rolston, transport manager at Armagh-based Noel Zwecker, which runs 24 vehicles transporting chilled and frozen meat to Europe, says: "Hopefully this will improve things, although the situation has been jumpstarted umpteen times before."

The main problem, he says, is that the beef processing and cutting plants will be certified "clean" or "unclean" as part of a stringent inspection process. Those with a clean bill of health will be able to export to mainland Europe while those deemed unclean will have to concentrate on the UK market.

As Zwecker has been doing a lot of work for one particular plant, the outcome of the plant's classification is crucial.

Another haulier in Northern Ireland, who doesn't wish to be named, says the lifting of the ban may put an end to illegal operations such as the trade in red diesel. "A lot of people have gone under, while operating illegally for others has been the only way to survive," he says.

Hauliers in the Irish Republic are optimistic that when exports resume they will be able to obtain better rates.

William Connolly of Omaghbased Trevor Cathers says: "It probably will help—hauliers from Northern Ireland were

down here cutting rates because of the scarcity of work."

The EC proposal is still only the first step towards lifting the ban and it needs the approval of the majority of other member states. The Commission would then have to inspect and approve the control arrangements in Northern Ireland before setting a date for exports to resume.

*Irish transport minister Mary O'Rourke has announced an independent study into the road haulage industry, but militant Irish hauliers warn they are not prepared to wait months for the findings.

Tension currently exists between truckers and shipping companies over nationwide delays that hauliers say are costing them time and money. Tempers boiled over in June when a local problem grew into a blockade of Dublin port by truckers. "Some of the shipping companies are not living up to their promises, and bad practices have returned," claims the Irish Road Haulage Association. 'We've had enough." "We want a total review of rates, waiting times, enforcement of overloading regulations, and every aspect of road haulage," says IRHA president John Guilfoyle.


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