Inaugural President sets out FTA Ireland's ambitions

Thursday 25 November 2010

The election of Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTA Ireland)’s first President on Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Ireland’s leading multi-modal transport trade association. Niall Cotton of BOC Gases Ireland was one of the leading lights behind setting up FTA Ireland and he was unanimously appointed President by high-level representatives from fellow, founding member companies at the inaugural FTA Ireland Council meeting, held at the Convention Centre Dublin on Tuesday 23 November.

At a time when Ireland’s economy is facing up to a stark future, FTA Ireland will be a much needed fillip to the beleaguered logistics sector, giving Ireland – itself a net exporter of goods – a collective and unified voice.

Niall Cotton, FTA Ireland’s President, said:

“I am proud to have been elected President of FTA Ireland and optimistic that we can achieve some positive change for the country, especially in these grim trading conditions we face. Indeed, there was palpable enthusiasm at our first Council meeting; members from all sectors of the freight and passenger sectors of the transport industry seem to sense that together we are exponentially stronger.

“Our first job will be to open a dialogue with government to help engender a much better understanding from policy makers of the issues facing the logistics sector and the central role it plays in the health of Ireland Inc.”

Top of the agenda at FTA Ireland’s Council meeting was setting appropriate industry standards to enhance the image of the industry.

Cotton concluded:

“FTA Ireland looks to exert some real influence at the very highest level. To that end, we are keen to establish early on face-to-face meetings with senior government officials and ministers to raise the industry’s profile and address the unique challenges it faces.”

Visit www.ftai.ie for more information.

Notes for editors

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

Niall Cotton joined the BOC Group in 1997 and completed its graduate development training programme to become a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

At BOC Niall manages the Bulk and Compressed Logistics and Transport Operations at Belfast, Dublin, Cork and other depots across the country.

He ensures compliance with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality and qualified as a DGSA in 2006.
 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk