Congratulations to County Clare haulier Eamonn Morrissey who was elected president of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) at its annual conference in Cork over the Easter weekend.

Morrissey has been involved in national and international haulage for more than 20 years from his base in Clonlara, County Clare. His company, Eamonn Morrissey International Transport specialises in dry freight and groupage to the continent and general national haulage.

To complement his activities in the haulage industry, he is also the owner the very successful E Morrissey Commercials, based in Clonlara - an IVECO main dealer and a BPW service partner.
His involvement with the IRHA stretches back more than a decade, most recently acting as vice president before being elevated to the position of president.

Morrissey's elevation to the top job in the IRHA, the recognised representative body of the road haulage industry, coincides with a decline in the fortunes of most haulage operators throughout the country, as the economy stutters on the verge of recession.

However, the articulate and energetic haulier seems to have the wherewithal to steer the association through the turbulent waters that lie ahead over the next two years. He is also well liked and respected in the haulage community, which will also aid his cause.

In this month's edition of Irish Trucker, Morrissey lays out his agenda for the next two years. Transport Minister Seamus Brennan will be firmly in his 'sights' in the coming months over a wide range of issues.

Illegal haulage, 'phoenix companies', regulating the freight forwarding industry, the continued roll-out of the penalty points system and the establishment of an essential user rebate of excise duty on fuel for licensed and tax compliant hauliers are all 'hot topics' Morrissey is anxious to discuss with the Minister.

Let the talking begin.