FTA Ireland: the new voice for Irish logistics

Wednesday 30 June 2010

The Republic of Ireland’s logistics sector has been given a well-deserved boost with the launch of FTA Ireland (FTAI) at a ceremony held at Dublin Castle today. Founding members of the new, multi-modal trade association include some of the largest businesses in Ireland as well as prominent Irish transport companies.

FTA Ireland has been established by the Freight Transport Association in response to requests from these businesses to help them raise the profile of responsible and efficient logistics practices in the Republic of Ireland.

Chris Welsh, General Manager at FTA and responsible for establishing FTA Ireland, said:

“FTA Ireland aims to replicate the role and service in Ireland that FTA provides for its members in the UK. Members of FTA Ireland aspire to the same high standards of safe, efficient and sustainable operations and membership is open to all transport operators and logistics buyers in Ireland. We are pleased to be supporting Irish business in this way and helping responsible companies to demonstrate high standards of commercial vehicle operation to the Dublin Government and the Irish public.”

FTA Ireland will give Irish businesses a new opportunity to present their combined views on transport policy. This will be agreed at regular member meetings. With its multi-modal perspective, FTA Ireland will also provide a voice for businesses involved in the maritime and ports sector as well as aviation. As it develops, FTA Ireland members will also benefit from a suite of high quality information services provided by FTA and designed to cater for their needs, including the clear interpretation of Irish and EU legislation and access to regular news and information bulletins.

Welsh continued:

“FTA Ireland is an autonomous organisation that will have its own Board and policy making committees and will develop its own channels of communication with the Irish Government and other policy agencies. It will benefit from the stewardship and capabilities of FTA, including its range of information and support services, but it will be an Irish voice for Irish logistics.”

Notes for editors

FTA Ireland

FTA Ireland is a not for profit membership trade association for the freight and logistics industry in Ireland. FTAI will be wholly owned and governed by its members and will act solely in the advancement of their collective best interests. It will cover all aspects of the freight, passenger transport and logistics supply chain, including road, rail, sea, air, port, airport and public service transport interests, whether as operators of freight and logistics services, coach and bus operators or as shippers.

Vision

FTA Ireland’s vision is to create a broad based influential membership organisation to represent the interests of the freight and logistics industry. Its aim is to be the most admired and influential trade association in Ireland and the undisputed voice of the supply chain with the public and government.

Purpose

FTA Ireland’s purpose is to help its members to develop safer, more efficient and sustainable supply chains and transport operations. FTAI will work to enhance the influence and image of the freight and logistics industry in Ireland by promoting high standards in compliance and safety. FTAI is committed to working with its industry and government partners to achieve these objectives and develop a highly innovative, efficient, competitive and sustainable Irish freight and logistics industry to support the Irish economy.

Founding members:

Balcas Timber
Casserly Transport
DHL – Supply Chain
Emo Oil
Keelings
Peninsula Ireland
South Coast Transport
Wincanton
BOC Gases (Ireland)
Cemex Ireland
Eddie Stobart Ireland
FedEx
Kerry Foods
Reynolds Logistics
Tesco Ireland
Bus Eireann
DHL – Express Ireland
EM News Distribution
Irish Global Logistics
O’Reilly Transport
Safety Kleen Ireland
UPS
 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk