FTA Ireland finds common ground with Minister for Transport

Tuesday 28 February 2012

There was much common ground to be found in a recent meeting between the Freight Transport Association Ireland and Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD.

Road safety and compliance dominated a packed agenda when the leading trade association met with the Minister on 23 February. FTA Ireland's President Niall Cotton, of BOC Gases Ireland, said:

"We were delighted to find many of our aims in accord with those of Minister Varadkar – in terms of improving road safety and compliance. By driving out rogue operators who create a menace on our roads, we might also elevate our position in the EU league tables on safety and compliance. An ambition that we share with the Minister."

FTA Ireland represents over 50 leading companies, who must undergo a robust accreditation process - an aspect of FTA Ireland the Minister was keen to know more about.

Cotton continued:

"The Minister's interest in FTA Ireland’s accreditation process was very encouraging. For our members, industry-led self-regulation is seen as a very positive step forward in terms of boosting compliance levels and the image of Irish operators abroad. In the face of a lack of government resource, we believe the Minister was particularly impressed by our efforts.

"As representatives of the pinnacle of Irish vehicle operators, FTA Ireland was able to engage with Minister Varadkar from a position of integrity and authority. The level of accord that FTA Ireland, itself a recent signatory to the European Road Safety Charter, found with the Minister was very encouraging and shows there is a political will to help the industry up its own game."

On 21 March, FTA Ireland will host a Transport Manager seminar in Enfield, County Meath. Among its impressive roster of speakers, Maurice Mullen, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Transport, will update delegates on the implications of the New Road Transport Bill. To find out more contact 01 8220045 or visit www.ftai.ie/events.

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk