Work to be done for shift to alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles

Implementation of Ireland’s first freight strategy has begun, but in order for the plan to be totally effective, more assistance will be needed from the government to ensure a successful transition to a greener industry, according to FTA Ireland (FTAI), which represents the interests of logistics businesses across the country.

It chief executive Aidan Flynn said that there is still much work to be done for Ireland to shift to alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles.

“A freight strategy for Ireland was long overdue, and work has started positively to implement its recommendations to help the nation’s logistics businesses operate as efficiently as possible,” he said.

“However, as we move towards a greener economy, and shift to the use of alternatively fuelled vehicles, there is still much work to be done and neither industry or government should rest on their laurels.

“35 per cent of actions recommended by the strategy relate directly to the establishment of a sustainable industry that can decarbonise effectively.

“To this end, we are recommending that government continues to work closely with our members to create a national strategy on these issues that takes into account the unique status of Ireland within the EU.”

Flynn added: “Ireland has its own particular infrastructure challenges,” he continues, “and it is vital that any solutions to meet the 2030 decarbonisation targets set by government react to the needs of our industry and do not hinder our members’ ability to continue delivering for Ireland’s businesses and consumers.

“It is imperative that the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, whose remit includes climate action, continues to engage with our industry to keep the particular challenges we face in mind – including the need for suitable vehicles, refuelling options and staffing – to ensure that our sector can decarbonise effectively.”