Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I am not aware of any specific complaints in this regard. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I will have it examined.

Road transport operates in a liberalised market where good carried for hire and reward are regulated by both EU and national legislation. Decisions on freight movement, including choice of hauliers, are influenced by many factors such as competition, patterns of freight lows between production units and retail outlets as well as supply chain and fleet management requirements.

Over the past decade, freight traffic volume in Ireland has increased substantially. More than 95% of internal goods are moved by road. While the global economic recession has hit hard, many Irish businesses have responded by reducing costs and increasing efficiencies.

To remain competitive today, businesses must strive for the greatest economies on inventory, minimise order lead-in times, provide timed delivery of goods and offer tracing and tracking services. Irish hauliers must work to support businesses through providing services tailored for maximum competitive impact.

Ireland has one of the most extensive short sea networks in Europe with multiple operators and alternative modes of shipping. The roll-on, roll-off and ferry services between Ireland and the United Kingdom are among the most frequent services in Europe.

The past decade has seen a 68% decrease in the amount of freight capacity services serving Ireland to UK and European markets. The development of our shipping network has provided the Irish market with more competition, choice and frequency in accessing global markets.

The recently established all-Ireland freight forum is working to address issues such as enhanced economic competitiveness, sustainability, international connectivity and other matters associated with the movement of goods.

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