Truckers may stage blockade over fuel prices
Truckers are considering a nationwide blockade of ports next month to force the Government to act on spiralling fuel costs, it emerged today.
Slow-moving convoys of 1,500 truckers last brought towns and cities to a standstill in September 2000 and cost local economies up to €30m in lost business.
The Irish Road Hauliers Association (IRHA) are now preparing for a French-style blockade of ports which could cause chaos during one of the busiest shipping times of the year.
With world oil prices pushing fuel costs up by 50% on last year, the IRHA has called for the Government to introduce a 14 cent rebate on each litre of diesel to give some relief to hauliers.
Speaking of the planned blockades, IRHA spokesman Jimmy Quinn said: “If something comes to a halt, it will come to a spectacular halt.
“We don’t want to go on strike but the Government won’t pay you any attention in this country until you try a few guerrilla tactics.
“If it was the publicans or the builders complaining, the Government would bail them out straight away.”
The IRHA is believed to have hired a Dublin-based public relations agency to handle advance media coverage of the stunt, likely to focus on Rosslare and Dublin Port.
It has also consulted former IRHA president Gerry McMahon who spearheaded the 2000 protests.
Hauliers claim that up to €370 of the cost of 1,000 litres of diesel currently goes to the Government on VAT and duty.
“We’re just asking them to take a little less from us and help us meet the increasing cost of putting diesel in our tanks,” explained Mr Quinn.
The slow-moving convoys in 2000 were aimed at forcing the Government to reduce the price of diesel in the forthcoming Budget.
The protests caused severe traffic congestion around the country but stewards and garda command centres were able to allow emergency vehicles and tourists to pass.
The demos were planned to coincide with a wave of other trucker strikes across continental Europe.
Mr Quinn added: “People forget that Ireland has a world-class transport logistics system thanks to hauliers.
“Your pint of milk is always on the doorstep in the morning for you and your paper is in the shop.
“When you eat at McDonalds, you know that the lorry pulled up that morning and stocked it with burgers and fries.”
