'Best outcome possible' - Laois head of Ireland's haulier group comments after fuel protests end

The Government's €505 million package is fair, balanced and the best possible outcome for to address the worst effects of the rising fuel prices on the haulage industry, according to the Laois man who is President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA).

A statment to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said the association's members were informed on Sunday that its negotiating team has delivered a "substantial" support package for the haulage and transport sector in talks that began last week and culminated in Dublin late Saturday night.

Mr Hyland, who runs a haulage company from the Laois Slive Blooms village, welcomed the support, which was signed off by the Government on Sunday afternoon, April 12.

The IRHA said the deal means support will be in place for an initial three-month period, provided that diesel prices remain over €1.90 per litre at the pumps.

The IRHA said Mr Hyland thanked his team for their hard work and commitment over what has been a challenging time for the industry.

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“Myself, and our management committee, are unpaid volunteers who have negotiated in good faith with the Government over the past week. We feel we have delivered the best outcome that was possible for our members and the wider transport community.

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"We feel that this package of supports is fair and balanced and will help to mitigate the worst effects of the rising fuel prices on what is a very hard working industry,” he said.

The deal was negotiated as thousands of farmers and haulage workers protested around Ireland, mounting blockades in Laois and other counties over the cost of fuel driven up by the warn in Iran that has halted oil supplies from the Gulf.