A FIANNA Fáil TD has said hauliers are warning that exports could come under threat as the COVID-19 crisis continues.
Niall Collins TD is calling on the government to ensure that the industry is protected so that supply chains can remain operational.
Deputy Collins explained he had been contacted by a number of hauliers who are “very concerned” about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on their own businesses as well as the “knock-on impacts” the issue could have on the wider economy and jobs.
The Limerick County representative said, “The hauliers say they are able to bring the exports to the continent, but the issues are arising when they are trying to make their way back.
“They’re reporting long delays, with trucks having to remain on mainland Europe for days on end. Some are even having to come home without a full load.”
Deputy Collins said these setbacks are “adding a substantial cost” on the companies which are “expressing concern about the future of road exports”.
“While the hauliers are raising this issue, it goes far beyond the sector,” he said, adding, “Many other industries, particularly agriculture and food, are dependent on hauliers to bring their produce to Europe. Other small businesses will also be affected.
“I am calling on the government to engage with the haulage industry and see what options are open to them.
“If this situation continues to deteriorate, it will have a serious knock-on effect on our supply chains, our agriculture and food sector and small businesses, who are managing to continue to trade through this crisis”
