The Government is fully committed to supporting the Irish haulage industry, according Transport Minister, Hildegarde Naughton.
Ms. Naughton commented:: “The importance of the movement of goods to our economy cannot be under-estimated. Over 95 per cent of internal goods in Ireland are moved by road. And it is unlikely to change very significantly in into the future.”
The Minister said the government is fully committed to supporting the haulage sector into the future. She said: “We are committed to developing a 10-year road haulage strategy. We have gone out to public consultation and I would urge you all to feed into the consultation process. This is going to be a pivotal moment coming out of a global pandemic and Brexit.”
Speaking at the recent official opening of Renault Trucks’ new home in M2 Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 the Minister said the road haulage sector plays a vitally important role in our economy and it faces multiple challenges.
“Climate change is a huge challenge. We have to urgently deliver an ambitious emissions reduction programme. With transport in Ireland accounting for over 20 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions it has a very significant role to play in our nationl decarbonistaion efforts,” the Minister commented.
She also addressed current HGV driver shortages: “The issue of HGV driver shortages is a critical issue, not only for Ireland but internationally. At the moment the transport and logistics sector is facing an acute shortage of drivers and mechanics.”
“We are working very closely with key stakeholders around solutions. We need to be innovative. We need to think outside the box and to encourage new entrants into the sector.”
She continued: “ My Department chairs the National Logistics and Supply Chain group, which was established in 2019 on the basis of the recommendations of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.”
“The primary aim of this group is to work together to better support the promotion of careers, skills development, and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sector in Ireland. The work is ongoing and the promotion of careers in the sector together skill development and progression for existing workers is critical.”
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