Haulier protest in Dublin is a ‘body blow’ for retailers

Linda Stewart — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 09:37:07 +0000

Retailers have warned that today’s haulier protest in Dublin against rising fuel prices is a ‘body blow’ at a crucial time of year for sales.

The Irish Truckers and Haulage Association Against Fuel Prices is holding a day-long demonstration in Dublin, following a similar protest last month.

Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence, said every industry is under fire at present and retailers have some sympathy for the plight of the hauliers – but that sympathy is rapidly running out.

“At this time of the year, retailers take in approximately €200 million every day, and it beggars belief that one group would act in this way to restrict access to the capital city and in doing so, imperil livelihoods at a time when every trading day counts,” he said.

He said that Dublin had been particularly badly affected by Covid restrictions and that this protest comes at the worst possible time.

“Footfall in Dublin city centre is down by 30% on 2019 levels, as people continue to steer clear of the capital and instead shop online or in suburban shopping centres.

“This action by truckers and hauliers is a body-blow which will drive another nail into the coffin of many city centre retailers who are in desperation mode now.”

Mr Graham said in any normal year, the Christmas period is critical for retailers.

“This year – after months of enforced closures, decreased footfall, the increased cost of trade, severe weather disruption and having to contend with the same fuel prices that hauliers are protesting against – it will be the difference between survival and closure,” he said.

The protests call for “lower fuel costs at the pump and at home”.

Drivers who participated in the protest also expressed concern over fuel rebate levels, driver shortages, taxes and other operational costs.

Simon Harris said Cabinet will consider energy proposals on Tuesday. Speaking on The Week in Politics, he said there are number of ways the Government can help, and inflationary pressure is expected to ease next year.

Mr Harris added that a “splinter group” should not blockade the motorways and that this protest is not required by hauliers.

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Hauliers warn of further pre-Christmas protests if fuel costs are not reduced

Linda Stewart — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 15:00:41 +0000

Hauliers who brought Dublin to a standstill in a protest over fuel prices have warned that they could stage another protest in the capital ahead of Christmas.

The Irish Truckers and Haulage Association Against Fuel Prices wrote on social media that they were considering the move and called on other sectors to join them.

“All hauliers, truckers , buses, taxis, fisheries, professional drivers, couriers and members of the public the first week in December could be the next one if we don’t get a change so keep in mind. This will be massive,” they said.

Independent Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue called on the Government to hold an emergency meeting with the hauliers to prevent the second protest going ahead, saying that these costs were interfering with every household in Ireland.

“I’m looking for an emergency meeting so we can prevent these protests going ahead, and we can look after the people in Ireland. This is a national emergency and it needs to be dealt with like that,” he said.

A convoy of hauliers caused major traffic disruption around Dublin while travelling to Kildare Street to demand that the government lowers the cost of fuel.

The convoys met at various locations off the M1, M2, M3, M4, M7 and M11, and there was significant delays on routes around the capital as the demonstration slowly travelled along the main arteries into the city.

Hauliers who attended the protest said that the cost of fuel was driving smaller hauliers out of business.

The cost of petrol and diesel rose under Budget 2022 alongside a planned increase in the rate of the carbon tax.

The price of a litre of petrol and diesel each rose by 2.5c and 2.1c respectively, equating to around €1.28 extra for a 60-litre tank of petrol or a €1.48 jump for diesel.

The carbon tax increased another €7.50 to €41 per tonne and is due to continue to rise each year until it reaches €100 per tonne.

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Haulier protest in Dublin is a ‘body blow’ for retailers

Hauliers warn of further pre-Christmas protests if fuel costs are not reduced