Truck drivers end protest at Dublin Port over 'unrealistic' road taxes
A truck drivers’ protest which has caused serious disruption to Dublin traffic this morning has come to an end.
The Irish Road Haulage Association blockaded up to 500 trucks leaving Dublin Port in a dispute over the Budget.
Dublin Traffic: Traffic still very heavy on routes approaching M1/Whitehall following the earlier protest.
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 20, 2014
It says the Government has failed to address what it says are “unfair and unrealistic” road tax demands on its members.
IRHA President Eoin Gavin says he hopes this morning’s action will force Ministers to address their concerns.
Mr Gavin said: "Everything in this country moves in the back of a truck.
"Dublin Port is the artery for the economic imports and exports of this country and we are the blood that flows through that port.
"It's all about Ireland Inc. and Ireland's branding, why have foreign-registered trucks carrying Irish goods out to the markets?"
Earlier, Mr Gavin, said: "Currently it costs €4,000 to tax an articulated truck in the south of Ireland and ten miles over the border in the UK, it is £640.
"On top of that, the UK authorities have imposed a £10 charge per day, per truck, on all foreign vehicles entering the UK and Northern Ireland.
"It's unsustainable, the differential between operating a truck in the south of Ireland the north of Ireland is €5,000. It's unsustainable."
