An Irish MEP has called for the urgent reform of EU road transport rules, which he claims disadvantages Irish hauliers.
Ciaran Mullooly, who represents the Midlands-North West constituency speaking in the European Parliament, said that Irish hauliers faced “unique challenges” because of their island status.
Rules that require drivers to make three stops within seven days on mainland Europe unfairly disadvantage Irish haulage operators, Mullooly said.
He pointed out that the first opportunity to stop is often in France after crossing by ferry.
However, French operators, for example can make their first stop in Germany or another country, which means they can cover more ground on mainland Europe, before having to make their first stop.
“Irish companies…send their trailers from our island to mainland Europe but face immediate restrictions upon arrival overseas under EU [rules]while mainland operators encounter these regulations only after their first loading or unloading. This disparity costs tens of thousands of euro,” Mulooly stated.
Mullooly called on EU policymakers to address “these imbalances” during the current legislative mandate, not only for Ireland but also for other EU island countries, namely Malta and Cyprus.
