Oil spill disaster in Spain
A major environmental disaster was trying to be avoided off the coast of Spain as rescue teams bid to secure the 3,000 tonnes of oil which leaked in to the sea after the tanker Prestige was damaged following a storm.

High percentage fail NCT
A new survey has revealed that the largest number of cars have failed the National Car Test (NCT) this year, compared to any other year since it’s introduction two years ago.

Safety talks see cargo sailings resume
Following talks over a dispute on safety between Galway County Council, the Inish Mór harbour master Paddy McDonagh and the state subsided ferry operator O’Brien Shipping, cargo sailings have resumed between the Aran Islands and Galway.

Roads funding slashed by Finance Minister
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has axed more than 20 road schemes as part of the Government's bid to halt growth in public spending.

Bleak weather is set to continue
Driving conditions throughout Leinster were described as "atrocious" yesterday, 14th November as over two inches of rain brought traffic to a standstill.

Trucker has lucky escape
A lorry diver had a fortunate escape yesterday 14th November when his truck overturned on the N11 road north of Arklow.

Speed detectors sell like hot cakes at exhibition
A Co Armagh entrepreneur has come up with a novel idea to help speeding motorists beat the penalty points system.

Trucker tells court he was never at fault
A Co Dublin truck driver has told Dublin City Coroners's Court that he was not at fault for a road accident which claimed the lives of four Bosnians in September 2001.

Ads too shocking for TV
Two new road safety advertisements which are to be screened in the Republic and Northern Ireland are so harrowing they cannot be shown before the 9.00pm watershed, boadcasting authorities have said.

Borough council is coming south to fill up
A decision by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council to seek tenders for fuel from filling stations in the Republic has been strongly criticised by fuel retailers in the North.

PSNI removes unlicenced vehicles
Nearly 800 unlicenced vehicles have been removed from the streets of Northern Ireland under a new scheme being implemented by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Britain adopts new code of practice on illegals
The British Government has produced a revised draft Code of Practice for the level of penalties to be imposed if illegal immigrants are found on board vehicles entering the UK.

Donegal man gets euro 165,000 for concrete mixer accident
A teenager who sustained extensive injuries to his arm, when his jacket sleeve became entangled in the shaft of a concrete mixer has been awarded euro 165,000 at the High Court in Sligo.

Listen to the hauliers - Brennan is told
The Irish Road Haulage Association believes Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has been getting his advice from the wrong quarters in relation to the Dublin Port Tunnel fiasco.

Tesco trucks fit the bill
Retail giant Tesco Ireland has rubbished reports that its trucks would be affected by the imposition of a 4.65 metre height restriction on heavy goods vehicles.

Road projects to be shelved in swinging cuts
The Government is preparing to shelve a number of high-profile road projects, along with squeezing current spending in an attempt to bring public spending for 2003 below 8 per cent.

Ferry companies are confident of security measures
Irish Sea ferry operators are on "heightened security" alert following warnings of possible terrorists attacks on unspecified British ports.

Archaeological find in O'Connell Street may further dealy Luas line
Contractors working on the Luas light rail line have uncovered a 300-year old house in the middle of O’Connell Street, Dublin.

Harrowing adverts to hammer home road safety message
Two harrowing road safety advertisements depicting the deaths of two pedestrians are to be screened on both sides of the border in a bid to cut spiralling road fatalities.

Armagh man bailed in diesel laundering case
A young Co Armagh man has appeared at Monaghan District Court in connection with the discovery of an illegal diesel laundering plant near Monaghan town on Monday evening, 11th November.

IRHA makes pre-budget submission
The Irish Road Haulage Association has pleaded with the Government not to increase excise duties on fuel, in the forthcoming budget.

Minister to consider new truck height restrictions
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering introducing a new height restriction for trucks and trailers for safety and environmental reasons.

Dublin traffic calming measures are saving lives in Dublin
The introduction of traffic calming measures by Dublin City Council has reduced road fatalities by 50 per cent, according to statistics just released.

Waterford port to get euro 60 million upgrade
An Bord Pleanala has cleared the way for a euro 60 million development at Waterford Port.

Job losses running at almost 500 a week
Job losses are running at almost 500 a week, according to new figures just released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Crude oil prices take a hike
Crude oil prices rose on world markets yesterday after the United States warned Iraq that failure to comply with the UN resolution on arms inspectors would result in a military attack.

Customs officers uncover illegal fuel laundering plant
Customs officials backed up the Gardai have uncovered a huge illegal diesel laundering plant, a few miles from the Co Armagh border.

Ballynahinch bypass will proceed
Despite the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly, plans for the Ballynahinch bypass are to proceed according to Local Assembly member Eamonn O’Neill.

Loughrea bypass is a major doubt
Following revelations last week that Loughrea’s proposed bypass could be put on the back burner for the next ten years, the town’s Chamber of Commerce are to seek an urgent round the table meeting with Transport Minister Seamus Brennan and the National Roads Authority.

Statoil launch safety campaign
Fuel giant Statoil have launched a promotions campaign to make people aware of the dangers of roads during the winter period - the project is backed by the National Safety Council.

Tolling is here to stay
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has warned that tolls on selected national primary routes are here to stay.

New archaeological finds put M3 route in doubt
The route of the proposed M3 motorway which is due to pass close to the ancient Hill of Tara in Co. Meath is in doubt following the discovery of scores of new monuments on the area.

IBEC wants more public private partnerships
The employers body IBEC wants the government to fast-track infrastructure projects through greater use of public-private partnerships.

Cork company wins penalty points contract
A Cork-based company has been awarded the contract to process data on speeding drivers for the new penalty points system.

New NI road safety strategy announced
A new 10-year road safety strategy, aimed at reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 33 per has been unveiled in Northern Ireland.

Tommy splashes out for roundabout
A Co Kildare businessman who has forked out euro 1.3 million to build his own roundabout is now preparing to build a new road.

Motorists get the message
Speeding offences throughout the country have been slashed dramatically since the introduction of the penalty points system last week, according to Garda sources.

Government to launch borrowing agency
The Government is set to launch the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), which has been established to provide private sector funds for road-building and other infrastructure projects.

Shipping sector calls on the Government to invest in infrastructure
The shipping industry has called on the Government to invest in port-road-rail infrastructure and to implement the findings of its own reports on the sector.

Abandoned truck pair stands trial
Two men have been charged with the attempted importation of euro 25 million worth of drugs from the continent.

Archaeologist return to controversial road site
Archaeologists have moved back onto the controversial Carrickmines Castle site, which is located in the path of the South Eastern Motorway, the final section of the M50.

Customs officers close Donegal diesel washing plant
Customs and excise officers backed up by the Gardai have swooped on an illegal diesel laundering plant in Ramelton in Co Donegal.

Tunnel trouble
Rush hour traffic at the Lee Tunnel in Cork city came to a standstill last night, November 7th when a southbound lorry, struck the super structure of the tunnel.

Gardai appeal for witnesses to bin truck death
Gardai have appealed for witnesses to a fatal road accident in which a 92-year old man was killed to come forward.

Freight decision put on hold
Irish Rail's decision to close its loss-making freight operations has been put on hold until at least next year, following pressure from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

Gardai appeal for witnesses to hit-and-run
Gardai in County Westmeath have appealed for witnesses to a hit-and-run accident in Moate last night, November 6th.

20 mph speed limit introduced in Northern Ireland
Twenty miles per hour speed limits have been introduced in residential areas of Northern Ireland in a bid to cut road deaths and serious injuries.

NI companies trading illegally
Northern Ireland's Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed that some small firms are trading illegally because they can't afford spiralling insurance premiums.

Truck crash victim named
The 92-year-old man who was killed when he was struck by a truck in Dublin on Tuesday 5th November has been named as Martin Miley, Ashford Avenue, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

Text traffic alerts
Text message traffic alerts in real time will be available from the Automobile Association at the beginning of next year.

Motorists could pay the toll for gridlock
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering the notion of charging cars and heavy goods vehicles for the the privilege of entering the capital.

High tech cameras point the way
Truckers who jump red lights will face the prospect of having two penalty points added to their licence thanks to a network of sophisticated cameras that will be installed at all major junctions in the capital in the coming months.

CIE to rubber stamp freight closures
Bus and rail unions are gearing up for industrial action as the CIE board meets today Wednesday 6th November to rubber stamp Irish Rail’s decision to axe two passenger routes and cut its freight activities by nearly 50 per cent.

Ministers are out of tune
The Mayor of Waterford has accused the ministers of Transport and Environment of singing from different hymn sheets in relation to road tolling.

Proposed Westmeath landfill site rejected
Celtic Waste, part of the NTR group of companies has been refused planning permission to build a super dump in Co Westmeath.

Elderly pedestrian killed by truck
A 92-year-old pedestrian has died after being hit by a truck, while crossing the road in south Dublin.

Government's permit system doomed to failure - Naughten
Fine Gael’s spokesman on transport Denis Naughten has claimed that the Government’s plan to abolish provisional driving licences and replacing them with driving permits is doomed to failure.

Wexford TDs bid to save rail network
Wexford’s five TDs are to meet with Transport Minister Seamus Brennan in an effort to avert the closure of parts of the rail network in the south-east.

Brennan ready to break up CIE
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is ready to scrap the ailing CIE group and replace it with three independent companies.

Cullen warns on tolls
Environment Minister Martin Cullen has warned public representatives in the south-east that tolling on new roads in the region is inevitable.

Solicitors may test new regulations in court
Solicitors who specialise in personal injury claims are threatening to test the legality of new regulations - which prevent them from advertising their services - in the High Court.

Dozens injured in US vehicle pile-up
Almost 200 cars and articulated trucks collided on a foggy stretch of US freeway, injuring dozens, nine critically, closing the highway for a number of hours.

IRHA welcomes McDaid's intervention in tunnel height row
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has welcomed the intervention of Junior Minister Jim McDaid into the ongoing wrangle over the height of the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Brennan to get tough on learner drivers
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering replacing provisional licences with a new 'permit driving' scheme in a bid to halt spiralling road deaths.

Noose tightens on illegal hauliers
The Department of Transport is continuing its crackdown on rogue hauliers, who are undermining the euro three billion industry.

Penalty points system is working - NSC
The National Safety Council (NSC) believes the introduction of the penalty points system is already saving lives.

Minister confirms review of speed limits
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has confirmed that speed limits will be reviewed as part of a move to all-metric road signage.

Crude oil prices will remain high
Crude oil prices are set to remain high, whether or not the United States launches a military attack on Iraq, according to a senior Irish economist.

Man dies in truck crash
A 27-year-old man died following a collision between a lorry and a car on the main Dublin - Cork road on Saturday, 2nd November.

Exporters want freight decision reversed
The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has urged the government to reconsider the decision taken by Irish Rail to rationalise its freight activities, ahead of a key meeting to approve the decision next week.

Brennan to play hardball on penalty points disclosure
The Department of Transport has confirmed that it will not release information to insurance companies on motorists who have incurred penalty points for speeding, unless its gets a guarantee that "clean slate' drivers will get a reduction in premiums.

Speeding drivers miss the point
Gardai issued errant motorists with more than 400 speeding tickets yesterday 31st October on the first day of the new penalty points system.

KPH speed signs on the way
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan wants to change all the country’s speed limit signs to kilometres per hour within the next 18 months.

Gridlock unchanged despite euro 800 million spend
Traffic congestion in Dublin hasn't improved in the past four years despite a euro 800 million investment in transport in the greater Dublin area under the National Development Plan.

A bridge too far for HGVs
The residents of O’Brien’s Bridge in Co Clare and Mountpelier in Co Limerick mounted a blockade on the bridge that connects the two villages, in protest at heavy goods vehicles using the route to avoid traffic congestion in Limerick city.

Producers will be responsible for end-of-life vehicles
The EU End-of-Life (vehicles) directive which is due to come into force at the end of 2006 will mean that producers will have to take responsibility for recycling and waste management, the Department of Environment has warned.

CIF wants more funds for roads
The National Development Plan is significantly behind schedule and won't be completed on time unless additional funds are made available, a national builders' lobby group has claimed.

Ferry company gets texting
More than 1,500 travellers whose ferry sailings were cancelled last weekend because of the storms,were notified via text message, Irish Ferries, has confirmed.

Van smash cyclist named
The elderly cyclist that died on Wednesday evening 31st October in Co Clare when he was struck by a van has been named as Tony King, 68, of Toreen, Ennis.

Hibernian insurance to follow suit in hiking premiums for speeding motorists
Another leading insurance company is set to increase premiums for motorists caught speeding, but has stated that it will reduce premiums for “clean slate” motorists.

New style licence on the way
A new style driving licence will be introduced next January to complement the launch of the penalty points system.

Naughten wants signs sorted
Fine Gael’s spokesman on Transport Denis Naughten has said that many motorists will inadvertently fall foul of the new penalty points system, because thousands of speed limit-signs that have been damaged or destroyed have not been replaced.

Hogan slams Brennan on sharing penalty points information
Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan’s decision to share information on drivers with the insurance industry has been criticised by Fine Gael’s enterprise spokesman Phil Hogan.

Diesel laundering plant uncovered in border swoop
Customs officers from Dundalk have uncovered a huge diesel laundering plant in Co Louth in an early morning swoop.

CIF call for continued public spending on infrastructure
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Government to restrain current public expenditure, while maintaining public capital expenditure in the forthcoming Budget.

Belfast road upgrade to cause traffic gridlock
Northern Ireland’s Department for Regional Development has confirmed that plans for the extension of the M1 / Westlink could start in 2004, but opponents of the £55 million upgrade claim it will spark widespread traffic chaos throughout Belfast.

Stena Adventurer to makes waves
Stena Line’s new super ferry which will be launched on the Irish Sea next summer has been named the Stena Adventurer.

Transit makes television debut
The all-new Ford Transit Connect appears on TV for the first time this week as it emerges from behind a team of workers to the sound of pounding music.

Fears for Arklow Port
Fears are now being expressed for the future viability of Arklow Port which is heavily dependant on IFI for the majority of it’s trade and finance to keep going.

Speedsters to be hit by insurance hikes
Errant motorists could be hit with a 25 per cent increase in their motor insurance premium every time they pick up penalty points for speeding.

All drivers must carry driving licence
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has announced that all drivers will be obliged to carry their driving licence in their vehicle from January 1, to aid Gardai implement the penalty points system.

Road safety strategy has failed road safety
The Government's road safety strategy 1998/2002 which aimed to reduce road deaths by 20 per cent over a five-year period has failed, according to a top-level road safety group.

Naughten criticises penalty points but AA back introduction
Fine Gael's Denis Naughten has criticised the implementation of the penalty points system, claiming
that it has been rushed through to deflect attention from the Government's failed road safety strategy.

Up to 600 jobs to go at Irish Rail
Up to 600 jobs could be lost in Irish Rail's freight division in the coming months as the company
begins a rationalisation programme.

Exports fall in August
Exports fell by euro 500 million in August according to figures just released by the Central Statistics Office

Irish Rail to cut its freight operations
Irish Rail is set to pull out of its loss making freight operations, but insists no jobs will be put at risk.

Gardai not happy with new penalty points system
The penalty points system for speeding will come into force on Thursday 31st October but not everybody is happy with its implementation, writes John Loughran.

Insurance companies to get on penalty points bandwagon
Motorists disqualified for clocking up more than 12 penalty points will be hit with huge insurance premium hikes, according to reports.

Lack of road signs highlighted
Fine Gael's Jimmy Deenihan believes that all tourists entering the country through ports and airports
should be given a booklet explaining the rules of the road, and information about road signage.

LUAS could be delayed until 2004
The LUAS system will not be operational until the first quarter of 2004 according to reports.

Crude oil prices continue to slide
Crude oil prices hit an 11-week low yesterday in London as the prospects of a US-led military attack on Iraq abates.

PSNI helpless to prevent attacks
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has admitted it is hard pressed to prevent the upsurge in missile attacks on motorists using Belfast's Westlink motorway.

Points system rejected by Gardai
Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan’s plans to introduce a penalty points system for speeding next Thursday has been slammed by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

Do phones fry your brains
Hauliers will wait with baited breath for the results of the new tests currently taking place to check if
mobile phone radiiation leads to brain tumour growth.

Watch out for flying eggs
All motorists have been warned to keep an eye open for over eager Hallowe’en celebrations which might lead to the odd rotten eggs being thrown.

Hello Darkness, my old friend
Driving in darkness for the first time is always a tricky proposition for newly qualified drivers whose lessons may have all taken place in bright summer conditions. So putting the clocks back an hour on Sunday (27th October) will cause real problems for many of them according to the RAC School of Motoring in Ireland.

Cllrs shown dump examination
Wicklow County Councillors were shown a video of an illegal dump site at Rustyduff, Donard, which contains a number of steel drums and could be as large as the infamous Whitestown.

£330,000 to be spent on Enniskillen road
Road works are to commence on a stretch of the main A32 Omagh to Enniskillen Road at Clanabogan at a cost of £330,000, according to the Department of Regional Development.

Motorists are playing Russian roulette
Fine Gael’s spokesman on Transport Denis Naughten has claimed that motorists are playing Russian roulette with their lives every time they overtake a HGV in wet weather conditions.

Penalty points will be up and running next week
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is set to announce the long awaited introduction of the penalty points system, ahead of a public information campaign which will include radio and press advertising.

Traffic chaos - Dublin style
The capital was plunged into traffic chaos when two lanes were closed on St Stephen’s Green to allow for work on the Luas line.

Brothers arrested in connection with illegal dumping
Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the Garda investigation into the illegal dumping of waste in Co Wicklow.

Harney starts insurance shake up
Tanaiste Mary Harney is set to make a major change in court procedure next week in an effect to clamp down on bogus insurance claims that cost more than euro 1.5 billion annually.

N25 worst road in country
The N25 from Rosslare in Co Wexford to Waterford city is the worst national route for road fatalities, according to the National Roads Authority (NRA).

DAF begins production of new XFs
At the beginning of October, president of DAF Trucks NV., Jim Cardillo, officially drove the first new XF off the assembly line.

Dowling to chair new PIAB
Tanaiste Mary Harney is set to appoint Dorothea Dowling to the chair of the new Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), which is being established to halt spiralling insurance premiums.

NSC launches 'eyes wide open campaign'
The National Safety Council has launched a new road safety awareness campaign, 'Eyes Wide Open' aimed at reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities on Irish roads in the run up to and during the October Bank Holiday weekend.

State should deal with insurance costs
A District Court Judge has suggested that insurance companies should be scrapped and the State deal with insurance costs and claims.

IBEC calls for road tolls
The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) has called on the Government to maintain taxes at their current level, stating that the thrust of the forthcoming budget should be on controlling public expenditure.

Crude oil prices continue to slide
Crude oil prices continued to slide yesterday October 22nd as fears of an imminent attack of Iraq by the United States continued to abate.

Lorry driver gets eight years in jail
A lorry driver from Blackrock in Co Dublin has been jailed for eight years for his part in illegally importing euro 12 million worth of herbal cannabis.

Gardai recover euro 180,000 goods in warehouse swoops
Gardai have seized a huge haul of illegal cigarettes and CDs in a swoop on a warehouse near the border.

Waterford to get bypass at long last
The long awaited Waterford bypass has been given the green light following a decision by An Bord Pleanala to reject objections to the compulsory purchase of lands for the project.

Anger at possible freight cutbacks
Politicians and trade unions leaders are up in arms following claims that Iarnrod Eireann is ready to scale down its freight activities.

Calls to upgrade A1
There have been calls to upgrade the A1 between Loughbrickland and Newry in Co Down in the wake of the latest road fatality.

Government in the dock over old banger directive
The Government is facing a severe rap on the knuckles from the European Commission for its failure to introduce an "end of life" Vehicle Directive into national legislation.

Crude oil prices plunge
Crude oil prices have nose dived following signs that the United States is prepared to give Iraq a chance to comply with United Nations' resolutions, lessening the chances of an imminent military attack.

Truck driver released on bail
The Co Armagh lorry driver arrested on Sunday evening 20th October in connection with an eight vehicle pile-up on the Dundalk / Newry road in which 16 people were injured has been released on bail.

American woman dies in truck crash
A 70-year-old American woman has been killed following a collision between two cars and a lorry.

Two die in separate truck collisions
Two people have died following separate traffic accidents this morning, October 21st.

Stormy weather
Stormy weather conditions have caused widespread flooding and ferry cancellations in many areas.

Sixteen injured in multiple vehicle pile-up
Sixteen people have been injured in an eight-vehicle pile-up in treacherous weather conditions in north Co Louth.

Penalty points system on the way
The long awaited penalty points system - or at least part of it - will be operational by the beginning of next month.

Woman dies after truck collision
A woman, on her way to work in the referendum count centre in Trim in Co. Meath was killed when her car collided with a lorry.

Foreign reserves should be spent on roads - CIF
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Government to spend Ireland's foreign currency reserves on developing the country's infrastructure.

Scottish police seize truckload of drugs
Drugs valued at in excess of euro 30 million have been seized following a raid on a lorry in Scotland.

Thieves make of with toys
Childrens' toys estimated to be worth euro 12,000 have been stolen from a 40 foot container in Warrenpoint, Co Down.

IRHA strikes new deal with NTR
NTR, the company, which runs the East and West Link Toll bridges and the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), have reached an agreement, which will result in a 10 per cent saving on toll charges for IRHA members.

Harney hopeful on IFI plants
Tanaiste Mary Harney is hopeful a liquidator will be able to sell off some of the Irish Fertiliser Industries' (IFI) plants as a going concern, saving the jobs of some of the 620 jobs workers who are to be made redundant in the process.

Insurance costs 40 per cent more in Ireland
An Irish person now spends 40 per cent more on insurance that a person in the rest of the EU, according to figures just released.

Road safety experts meet in Dublin Castle
A two-day conference of European road-building experts, focusing on road safety throughout the European Union has begun in Dublin.

Fraudulent claims inflate insurance premiums
The eradication of fraudulent insurance claims will lead to a reduction in insurance premiums, according to Michael Kemp of the Irish Insurance Federation.

Tyrol in Austria introduces night ban on trucks
The local government in the Tyrol region of Austria has implemented a night ban on trucks over 7.5 tonne using the Alpine transit A12 Inntal motorway this winter, despite doubts about the legality of the ban.

Slane residents still want bypass
As new traffic calming measures came in to place on one of the country's most dangerous bridges, the residents of Slane in Co Meath have called on the National Roads Authority to build a bypass around the village, writes John Loughran

IFI job losses will have knock-on effect
Business leaders in Arklow and Cobh have predicted further job losses in the area following the closure of the towns' Irish Fertiliser Industries plants.

EU enters Carrickmines Castle debacle
The European Commission has written to the Irish Government seeking information on whether the routing of the M50 motoring through Carrickmines Castle complies with EU environmental directives.

JCB operator shot by gunman
Gardai in Monaghan town are searching for a gunman who shot a middle-aged JCB operator, while he was working near a quarry at Castleshane on the Dublin-Derry road.

Harney rubbishes PIAB cost claim
A spokesman for the Tanaiste Mary Harney has rubbished claims that it will take almost euro 40 million annually to run the proposed Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

Roscommon residents launch campaign to free truck driver from Greek prison
Residents in the Co Roscommon village of Cloonfad have begun a campaign to free from a Greek prison, a local 23-year-old lorry driver who was jailed for more than three years for cigarette smuggling.

IFI closure a severe blow to hauliers - Quinn
The closure of Irish Fertilsers Industries (IFI) is a "severe blow" to the road haulage industry, according to a spokesman for the Irish Road Haulage Association.

PIAB will cost nearly euro 40 million
The cost of setting up a the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), part of the Government's strategy to reduce spiralling insurance premiums, has been estimated at almost euro 40 million, according to a recent report.

Deal to lead to cheaper truck insurance
Leading insurance company Hibernian, and How's My Driving Ltd, the privately owned fleet management road safety company, have struck a deal which could result in reduced insurance premiums for companies that show an improved accident record.

Government criticised over insurance crisis
Fine Gael's spokesman on Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Phil Hogan has criticised the Government for its failure to tackle the deepening insurance crisis.

IRHA urges its members to report illegal opreators
In a recent survey of its members, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has found that illegal haulage is one of the gravest problems facing the licenced haulage industry, second only to spiralling insurance premiums.

New safety measures on approach to Slane Bridge
From Thursday 17th October, 2002 Meath County Council and the National Roads Authority with the co-operation of the Gardaí, will implement the second phase of new road safety measures on the N2 through Slane Village and the approaches to Slane Bridge.

A chip off the old Scot
A canny Scottish businessman has helped gardai track a truck packed with euro 300,000 worth of stolen generators using his laptop computer and a global positioning satellite system.

Trucker walks free
A Northern Ireland truck driver has had a charge of dangerous driving arising from the deaths of two old age pensioners in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, struck out at the local District Court.

Tyre Safety Week in Northern Ireland
Thousands of motorists in Northern Ireland can expect to be stopped by police this week as Tyre Safety Week swings into action.

Gardai appeal for witnesses to hit-and-run
Gardai have appealed to witnesses to a hit-and-run in Co. Wicklow which left a young man dead at the weekend to come forward.

M1 stretch branded most dangerous in the country
The M1 motorway north of Drogheda has been branded as the most dangerous road in the country by a coroner's court.

ICG wanted to spread its wings
Irish Continental group the owners and operators of Irish Ferries was the only Irish publicly quoted company to express an interest in buying Aer Lingus, when it was offered for sale last year.

UK's Transport Minister is the Darling of freight industry
The British Government is set to spend £145 million to ease traffic congestion, Transport Minister, Alistair Darling has revealed.

IRHA to hold Information Day in Portlaoise
The Irish Road Haulage Association will hold an "Information Day" in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, this Saturday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Brennan is furious over cash only toll roads
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is set to haul the National Roads Authority (NRA) over the coals after it emerged that two new toll roads will operate a "cash only" queueing system.

Three die in weekend of carnage
Three men in their 20s have been killed in separate road accidents at the weekend.

Truck driver named
The truck driver who lost his life in a single vehicle accident in Co.Monaghan last Friday has been named as James Leydon, 55, from Cherry Park, Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin.

PIAB causes more concern
A draft report by the Implementation Group which was set up to oversee the establishment of a Personal Injuries Assessment Board claims the body could add another and more costly layer to the compensation system.

War price fears
The Organisation of Petroluem Exporting Countries (OPEC) has warned that global oil markets will be plunged into turmoil if the United Sates launches a military attack on Iraq.

Irish motorists unprepared for winter, says RAC
The majority of cars on our roads have mechanical faults relating to safety components such as tyres, lights and brakes.

Trucker dies in Co. Monaghan crash
A truck driver was killed near Carrickmacross in Co. Monaghan when the articulated fuel tanker he was driving overturned.

Ban on mobile hits another snag
The ban on the use of mobile phones while driving has hit yet another snag and won't now be introduced until the New Year.

Funds pledge will end traffic disruption
Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has secured euro 1.6 million in funding, for the construction of flood defences on the banks of the River Dodder, much to the relief of local residents and commuters in the area.

Residents to protest over truck traffic
The residents of two small villages separated by the Shannon on the Limerick / Clare border are up in arms over a constant flood of trucks and cars, using their streets in what has been described locally as a dangerous "rat run".

N1 to the border most dangerous road
The N1 between Drogheda in Co. Louth and the border is one of the most dangerous roads in the country, according to statistics just released by the National Roads Authority.

Bertie bowl was traffic blunder
Documents just released under the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern scuppered the proposed National Stadium at Abbotstown in Dublin because it would lead to serious traffic congestion in the area.

Pick-up driver killed in Cork accident
A man has been killed in a single vehicle accident in Cork city.

Stressed out traffic wardens to take legal action
Traumatised traffic wardens are set to flood the courts with personal damages claims in the coming months.

Statoil confirm gas oil leakage
Fuel giant Statoil have admitted that an estimated 50,000 litres of gas oil has leaked from a storage tank in their Galway premises earlier this week.

Illegal dumps being hid in rural areas
The Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that major illegal dumps are been operated in rural Ireland and many ar still concealed.

Beware of suicide drivers: Garda
The Gardai have issued a warning to motorists to beware of suicide drivers as they are becoming more common place on our roads according to a Garda Chief Supt.

Port chiefs not hapy with Tara
Tara mines return to production has seen them clash with Dublin Port over the size of product they ship through the port.

Diesel laundering plant raided
An illegal operation of diesel laundering has been discovered and raided by PSNI officers in the Strabane area of Co. Tyrone.

Esat BT not going anywhere
Despite reports to the contrary, telecommunications group Esat Bt have announced they will still be a part of the Irish market after Chief Executive Andy Green said the company had no plans to change.

Wicklow introduces pay by weight scheme
Wicklow is to be the first county in the country, whereby the state’s first regular pay by weight refuse collection scheme is to be introduced.

County plan for masts to be changed
The Mast Action in Meath (MAIM) group had demanded a change to the development plan to cut down on the number of masts. Councillors had received objections from protestors at a meeting to discuss the issue this week.

Traffic warden withdraws claim
The most famous or infamous traffic warden as the case may be, has withdrew his claim for damages of around Eur30,000 after he claimed that his job had made him ‘public enemy number one’.

Leitrim recycling improves by 119%
A survey conducted by Rehab Recycling Partnership (RRP) for Repak National Recycling Week has revealed that from January to August 2002 glass recycling in Leitrim has increased by over one hundred per cent.

No hearse needed for Jim's funeral
Highly successful company Sutton Plant Hire, mourned it’s owner Mr Jim Sutton, the best way they could - by carrying his coffin to Templetown cemetery on one of his low-loaders and not a hearse like normal.

Deal to lead to cheaper truck insurance
Leading insurance company Hibernian, and How's My Driving Ltd, the privately owned fleet management road safety company, have struck a deal which could result in reduced insurance premiums for companies that show an improved accident record.

Probe to focus on insurance raw deal
A probe into the insurance industry by the Competition Authority and the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment will attempt to discover the reasons why consumers are getting a raw deal.

Drug-driving on the increase
" Drug-driving" is on the increase in Ireland, with more and more drivers getting behind the wheel while under the influence of cannabis and other narcotics, according to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.

Irate motorists take the lollipop
School traffic wardens are being targeted by irate drivers for verbal abuse and intimidation according to a straw survey conducted by the Irish Independent.

Business are cleaning up their waste act
Attitudes towards waste and waste management have improved in recent years because of EU legislation, an environment conference has heard.

Pessimism high among Irish businesses
Pessimism about future performance is high amongst Irish businesses despite performing well in a business confidence survey.

Shell calls for greater enforcement
One of Ireland's leading fuel retailers has called for greater enforcement of legislation to tackle fuel smuggling on both sides of the border.

Finance Agency Bill will come before the Dail prior to Christmas
The Bill which will ultimately lead to the establishment of the National Development Finance Agency will be published during the current Dail session, according to Government chief whip, Mary Hanafin.

Solicitors agree to voluntary ban
Solicitors have agreed to a voluntary ban on "no foal no fee" advertising in bid to halt spiralling legal costs.

Crude oil prices ease slightly
Crude oil prices continue to ease on world markets despite fears that the explosion that gutted the French-flagged supertanker Limburg on Sunday was caused by terrorists.

Preferred Carrick bypass route announced
Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils have announced the preferred route for the bypass of Carrick-on-Shannon.

Teen dies in Mayo crash
A 19-year-old woman has been killed in a single vehicle accident in Crossmolina in Co. Mayo.

Haulage industry thrives within EU: McDaid
Dr James McDaid,T.D has stated at the launch of the Irish Road Haulage Association’s “YES” campaign to the Nice treaty that the haulage industry in Ireland has reaped huge benefits from the states participation in the E.U.

Commuting times bug bear of employees - survey shows
A survey conducted by recruitment website irishjobs.ie has found that it is taking longer and longer to get to and from work with average daily commuting times of two hours now the norm.

Gardai appeal for witnesses to Kildare hit-and-run
A hit-and-run driver has left three pedestrians injured, one seriously following an incident in Leixlip, Co. Kildare.

Traffic protest look set to continue
Residents in the Irishtown and Ringsend areas of Dublin look set to continue disrupting traffic following an admission by the Office of Public Works that it hasn't the money to build up the banks of the River Dodder.

TD calls for review of insurance industry
Independent TD Dr Liam Twomey has called for a swift and radical overhaul of the insurance industry.

IFA criticised by meat association
The Irish Meat Association has accused the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) of being "irresponsible and misguided" as it continued its beef protest at Kepak plants last night.

Carriers to face heavy fines
Tough new immigration laws contained in a cross-party discussion document could see ferry companies and airlines fined euro 3,000 for every asylum-seeker found on board.

Drug drivers on the increase - report
Almost three out of four drivers stopped by gardai on the suspicion of driving while under the influence, tested positive for drugs, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) has revealed.

Government in dry-dock over ports
The Irish Exporters' Association (IEA) has attacked the Government for its failure to deliver on its commitment to develop the country's ports.

October 2002

ESRI warns on bleak future
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has warned that Ireland faces "bleak" economic prospects unless public finances are brought under control.

Crude oils prices remain stubbornly high
Crude oil prices remained buoyant on world markets this week, propped up by Middle East fears that the United States is moving closer to launching a military attack on Iraq.

Government criticised over inaction on insurance
Fine Gael has tabled a motion condemning the Government for its inaction over the deepening insurance crisis, and its failure to implement the findings of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board.

Ireland surpasses packaging recycling target
Ireland did well to surpass its packaging recycling target of 25 per cent for 2001 but there is no room for complacency, according to a leading recycling industry expert.

Smuggler must pay £250,000
An Armagh man who was part of one of the biggest fuel smuggling operations in Ireland has been told to pay £250,000 or face another two years in jail.

Woman dies in collision with truck
A young woman driver has died following a collision between a car and an oil tanker in Co. Kilkenny.

Truck crash victim named
The three-year-old child killed in an accident involving an ESB truck in Co. Limerick has been named as Casey Singhland, from Newcastlewest.

Gardai appeal for witness in road fatality
Gardai have appealed to the driver of a van who witnessed a fatal crash on the Dodder Park Road in Dublin which claimed the life of a 58-year-old woman to come forward.

Relief Road for Carlow needed urgently
There has been calls made for a relief road in Carlow Town to ease traffic congestion and residents have expressed their astonishment over revelations that a proposed relief road on the 2002 Draft County Development Plan is considered so low on the priority list that construction will not begin until at least 2012.

Irish trucker wins award in US
Carlow native Anthony Lee who emigrated to the U.S in 1992 has been voted the 2002 Contractor of the Year by his employer Transcontinental Refrigerated Lines Inc.

Taxpayers money wasted on bypass
The compulsory purchase order needs to be completely overhauled in order to save the taxpayer millions of euro’s on purchasing land for the Ennis Bypass according to Independent Deputy, James Breen.

Iarnroid Eireann's woes may benefit hauliers
The news that Iarnroid Eireann is considering withdrawing its freight service between Wexford and Cork at the height of the beet harvesting season has been criticised by a spokesman for Irish Sugar.

IBEC pleads with Tanaiste over PIAB
The employers' body IBEC has pleaded with Tanaiste Mary Harney to press ahead with her plan to establish a Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) in a bid to halt spiralling insurance premiums.

Excavations at an illegal dump in Co. Wicklow
Excavations at an illegal dump in Co. Wicklow have unearthed more than a quarter of a million tonnes of commercial and domestic rubbish.

Ireland named and shamed
The European Commission has "named and shamed" Ireland for breaches of environmental law.

Councillors give overwhelming support to M50 motorway
Councillors from Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown Co. County re-asserted their support for the final leg of the M50 motorway when they called for its completion to end the "human misery" of traffic gridlock in the south Dublin area.

New road will have severe impact on property
A Bord Pleanala hearing into the compulsory purchase of lands for the euro 25 million Waterford Outer Ring Road has heard that the project will have a severe impact on property owners on the southside of the city.

Irish Road Haulage Association says "Yes to Nice"
The Irish Road Haulage Association today, Tuesday 1st October 2002, launched its "Yes to Nice" campaign.

Roads programme facing 25 per cost overrun - Brennan
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering introducing fixed price contracts for future road developments in a bid to halt spiralling costs.

Newmarket-on-Fergus bypass opens
One of the most notorious bottle necks in the country has been eliminated with the opening of a new euro 25 million bypass.

IRHA states position on tolls
The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on Transport Minister Seamus Brennan to increase road tax to fund the roads programme rather than introducing tolled roads.

Carrickminders halt castle road dig
Work on the final leg of the M50 motorway was disrupted yesterday 30th September by protesters at the site of Carrickmines Castle in south Co. Dublin.

Cross-border law good news for insurance brokers
The European Union has endorsed legislation that will allow insurance brokers to offer their services throughout all 15 EU states

NRA asked to examine death road
The National Roads Authority has been asked to examine a straight stretch of road near Killarney in Co.Kerry following the deaths of a mother and her four-year-old daughter last March.

Britain introduces sobering new law
A new law which comes into force this week in Britain will mean that doctors will be able to take blood samples from unconscious or injured drivers without their consent.

Council call for action over slow drivers
Roscommon County Council has called on the Minister for Transport to look at the immediate introduction of a minimum speed limit in conjunction with the National Safety Council and An Garda Siochana.

M50 interchange gets underway
Work on the final leg of the M50 motorway in Dublin begins today on the site of Carrickmines Castle despite a last-gasp attempt by environmentalists to halt construction.

Dowling lashes legal profession
Dorothea Dowling, chairwoman of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board has lashed out at the legal profession saying "that lawyers will move heaven and earth to scupper anything that will reduce Bar earnings.

Objectors to Co Cork super-dump will have their day
Objectors to a planned super-dump in Co. Cork are to be given the opportunity to voice their concerns at an oral hearing.

IFA protests continue over cattle prices
Nearly half of Ireland's beef exporting plants remained closed today as the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) escalated its protests over cattle prices by demonstrating outside the meat factories of Ireland's big two producers AIBP and Dawn Meats.

Motorcyclist killed in Co Cavan crash
A motorcyclist in his twenties has been killed in a road accident in Co. Cavan.

Bacon report grilled by PIAB supporters
Supporters of the proposed Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) have slammed a report commissioned by the Bar Council which claims the cost of insurance will spiral if the board is established.

Bright sparks make off with electrical goods
Thieves have stolen an articulated lorry and trailer loaded with £100,000 worth of electrical goods from a haulage yard in Co. Armagh.

Truck crash victim named
The woman killed in a collision between a car and truck near Sligo town on Wednesday has been named as Maeve Boyle, 22, Upper Leabgarrow, Aranmore Island, Co. Donegal.

Maxol buys Estuary fuels
Tanaiste Mary Harney has approved Maxol’s euro eight million acquisition of Estuary Fuels, the Limerick-based petrol and diesel distribution business.

Residents continue protest
Residents in the Ringsend - Irishtown area of Dublin caused major traffic disruptions when they blockaded the road during the morning and evening rush-hour.

NSC plans safety campaign for October holiday
The National Safety Council will run a road safety promotion in the run-up to the October Bank Holiday weekend highlighting “vulnerable road users”.

You are more at risk in light traffic - research shows
Traffic accidents are more frequent on French motorways when traffic flows are light, research has indicated.

Lack of funds to delay N7
North Tipperary County Council have been told that there may be a delay on the construction of the new N7 motorway between Castletown to Nenagh, as there are a shortage of funds to complete the project.

M50 planners stuck to report
Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council and the National Roads Authority have insisted that they took into account a 1983 archeological report on Carrickmines Castle in designing the final phase of the M50.

PIAB will increase insurance cost - Bacon
The Government’s decision to establish a Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) in a bid to reduce spiralling insurance premiums will have the opposite affect, according to a leading consultant.

IRHA calls on freight forwarders to agree code of conduct
The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on the Institute of Freight Forwarders in Ireland to agree a voluntary code of conduct in the wake of the collapse of Kilkenny based freight forwarder Intel, which left more than 55 hauliers high and dry.

Brennan's claims confirmed by Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council and the Dublin Port Authority has backed claims by Transport Minister Seamus Brennan that 98 per of all heavy goods vehicles using Dublin port will be able to fit in the new port tunnel when it is finally opened in 2004.

September 2002

Woman killed in truck smash
A woman has been killed following a collision between a truck and a car in Co. Sligo.

Trucker gets right royal scare
A trucker had a near miraculous escape when his vehicle plunged into the Blackwater River on the outskirts of Kells, Co. Meath early this morning, 25th September.

Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council and the National Roads Authority confirm 1983 land use report was used in selection for the M50 South Eastern Motorway and archaeological preservation at Carrickmines
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the National Roads Authority (NRA) wish to clarify that contrary to allegations and reports in the media, recommendations contained in a 1983 Report by An Foras Forbartha regarding concerns of potential archaeological impact in the Carrickmines area, were taken into account and adhered to when the position and design of the Glenamuck Link Road and the M50 South Eastern Motorway were chosen.

Crude oil prices soar again
Crude oil prices soared again yesterday, 24th September amid fresh fears that the United States is ready to launch a military attack on Iraq.

Waterford bypass will go ahead despite the cutbacks - Cullen
Environment Minister Martin Cullen has reacted angrily to a statement by Friends First, chief economist, Jim Power, that he cannot see the proposed Waterford city bypass ever being built.

Stand-off at Carrickmines Castle
Conservationists opposed to the building of the M50 interchange on the site of Carrickmines Castle in south Co. Dublin have been involved in stand-offs with tree-fellers on the site.

Hot-wired truck used in bungled race track heist
Gardai in Co. Cork are on the trail of thieves who stole a truck and then used it to pull a safe through a wall at Cork Racecourse, not knowing that the safe was empty.

Quarry gets blast go-ahead
Blasting is due to commence at a quarry in Co. Fermanagh today 25th September after the High Court in Belfast granted an injunction restraining local residents from entering a danger zone 100 metres from the nearest blasting point.

Beef pickets called off
Work has resumed at six AIBP meat processing plants after farmers called off their protests yesterday, 24th September.

NRA reject N17 safety concerns
The National Roads Authority have come in for criticism after they rejected that the N17 running through Tuam had some safety concerns.

Council launch campaign to tackle rubbish
Waterford County Council have launched a new campaign to assess the problem of extra rubbish bags left out for collection on bin day.

Only two per cent of trucks won't fit in Dublin Port Tunnel
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has told a meeting of the Irish Exporters Association that only two per cent of trucks passing through Dublin Port will be unable to use the new port tunnel because of height restrictions.

Lifesaver plan plays second fiddle to Operation Artery
Operation Lifesaver is being neglected in Dublin and special garda vehicles designed to tackle dangerous driving are lying idle, according to reports.

National Ploughing Championships begin
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the National Ploughing Championships at Ballacolla, Co. Laois which it opens today, 24th September and continues for the next three years.

Ireland's late late payment show
Irish companies are the slowest payers in Europe according to a survey conducted by business research group BusinessPro.

Mn killed in Dundalk crash
A man has been killed and another seriously injured when the car in which they were travelling in spun out of control on the outskirts of Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Take the foot off the gas
Motorists could reduce their fuel bills by more than 13 per cent per annum, by modifying their driving styles, according to Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Brake launches road safety week in Northern Ireland
Ten children lost their lives in road accidents in Northern Ireland last year, according to road safety charity Brake.

Seven die in another weekend of carnage
Seven people lost their lives in a weekend of carnage on our roads.

IEA to attack Brennan on transport infrastructure
The Irish Exporter’s Association (IEA) is set to tell Transport Minister Seamus Brennan that a loss in competitiveness because of poor infrastructure is one of the major threats to the economy.

Mobile phone ban still a long way off
The implementation of the ban on using mobile phones while driving, will not be enforced in the foreseeable future following failure to agree on how the law should be enforced.

Future is bleak for small firms - SFA
The Small Firms’ Association (SFA) has stated that the sector’s ability to create jobs is being seriously undermined because of cost pressures.

OPEC comes under pressure from industrialised world
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is coming under intense pressure from the industrialised world to increase output.

Car-Free Day declared a success
Car-Free Day in Dublin was declared a success by it organisers, but Dublin cyclists weren’t so impressed.

Three die in night of horror crashes
Three young men have lost their lives in separate road accidents in counties Cavan, Galway and Mayo.

Diversions for ploughing championships
Gardai have warned all motorists including HGV traffic that diversions will in place on the Dublin - Cork N8 route to facilitate the National Ploughing Championships in Ballacolla, Co. Laois which take place from September 24 to 26.

Hope of crude oil increase dashed
As expected the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has opted to leave production output unchanged at 21.7 million barrels per day, dashing hopes of a production increase and a softening of prices at the pumps.

McCreevy leans towards infrastructure investment
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has given a broad hint that the Government will put investment in infrastructure ahead of public spending increases in the forthcoming Budget.

Irish Ferries returns to profit
Despite weakness in the tourist and freight markets, ferry operator, Irish Continental Group still managed to post a euro 3.3 million profit for the first six months of the year.

Pickets will damage business - AIBP
A threatened picket by beef farmers on six Goodman controlled AIBP meat factories from Sunday night 22nd September could prevent slaughtering on Monday and could damage AIBP, according to a company statement.

PSNI swoop on diesel laundering plant
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has uncovered a diesel laundering plant near the Co. Tyrone village of Clady.

Horror crash victim awarded £1.7 million
A 25-year old Belfast man who was severely injured in a road traffic accident five years ago has been awarded Stg£1.7 million in compensation.

Lotto winning trucker banned for two years
A Lotto winning truck driver was fined euro 100 and banned from driving for two years when he appeared before Naas District Court on drink driving charges.

No increased production from OPEC
Hopes of a reduction in fuel prices at the pumps have been dashed with the news that OPEC is prepared to maintain stiff production curbs to support high oil prices, despite signs that inflated energy costs are hindering global economic recovery.

PPPs on the road to nowhere
At a time when the Government is looking increasingly towards the private sector to plug the gaping funding hole in the national roads programme, there are emerging indications that contractors and their financial backers are losing interest, a leading employers’ group has stated.

Dublin City Council urge motorists to leave the car at home
Dublin City Council has urged all motorists to leave their cars at home this Sunday, International Car Free Day and to take to the Capital on foot.

De Rossa will raise M50 decision with EU
Labour MEP Pronsias De Rossa has criticised Transport Minister Seamus Brennan for making the wrong decision in allowing the last section of the M50 motorway to pass through the Carrickmines Castle historical site and said he would take up the issue with the European Commission.

Dodder residents cause traffic havoc
Irishtown and Ringsend in Dublin were brought to a virtual standstill yesterday morning, 18th September when residents staged a a rush-protest to highlight their calls for the banks of the river Dodder to be reinforced.

Gardai appeal for witnesses to Kildare crashes
Gardai have appealed for witnesses to two separate road accidents which happened earlier this week in Co Kildare.

Focus on North's primitive roads
Northern Ireland’s “primitive” road infrastructure and rail network will be highlighted at a major three-day international conference , hosted by the University of Ulster which begins at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall today, 19th September.

Ferry couple released as file is prepared for DPP
The man and woman arrested at Rosslare Port on Tuesday when 15 illegal immigrants were discovered in the back of their camper van have been released without charge.

Transition year students visibly shocked by road safety show
More than 2,200 transition year students were “shocked and visibly upset” when they attended the Road Safe Roadshow organised by the National Safety Council in the National Concert Hall yesterday.

Mother of three found alive and well
Mother of three, Helen Judge who was abducted from her home near Allenwood in Co. Kildare in the early hours of Monday morning has been found alive and well in a wooded area near Jenkinstown in north Louth.

Exporters warn on US trade war
The Irish Exporters’ Association has warned that a looming multi-billion trade war between the EU and the United Sates will have disastrous affects on the Irish economy.

Romanians sent back to France as couple arrested
Fifteen illegal immigrants were discovered at Rosslare Port in the back of a camper van and returned to France yesterday afternoon.

French go to war ... on drink drivers
The French Government has declared war on bad drivers in an attempt to halt soaring road fatalities.

Roads plan to be delayed by three years
The National Development Plan, including the roads programme, which is due to be completed in 2006, may take a further three years to complete because of a funding crisis.

Carrickmines Castle saved in compromise plan
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has rubber-stamped a plan that will save about 60 per cent of Carrickmines Castle, on the site of the last leg of the M50 motorway, while allowing construction work to continue.

OPEC ministers to meet in Japan
OPEC ministers will meet in Osaka, Japan on Thursday 19th September to discuss production quotas for the remainder of the year amid continuing fears that the United States will launch a military attack on Iraq.

Soaring insurance premiums put jobs at risk in North - economist
Spiralling insurance premiums in Northern Ireland are putting jobs at risk in small and medium sized enterprises, according to a leading economist.

Traffic arrangements in place for golf championship
The World Golf Championships, featuring world number one Tiger Woods, takes place at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny from Thursday 19th September until Sunday 22nd September and special traffic arrangements have been put in place in a bid to avoid delays in the area.

Ferry good idea to beat gridlock
Water taxis could be operational on the River Liffey in Dublin by the end of next year if a project by the Dublin Docklands Development Association (DDDA) comes to fruitition.

Appeal for witnesses to fatal accident
Gardai in Cork have appealed for witnesses to a serious traffic accident, which happened at North Ring Road, near Park Court a 7.45pm on Sunday evening 15th September to come forward.

Brennan under pressure due to euro 6.8bn shortfall in NDP
Labours Joan Burton has called on Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan, to explain the huge shortfall in funding for the National Development Plan for 2000 to 2006.

Gardai want better quality speed checks
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has urged the Government to target traffic black spots rather than wide, safe roads for speed checks, as they fear road safety has simply become a profit making exercise for the State.

Russian beef ban lifted on six counties
The beef trade has received a huge shot in the arm with the news that Russia has lifted its ban on taking beef from six Irish counties.

Woman dies in freak truck accident
A woman pedestrian has been killed in a freak and tragic accident involving a truck in Co. Carlow.

OPEC comes under pressure from EU
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is coming under pressure from the European Union to increase production of crude oil to bring the price down from $28 to $20 per barrel.

Bush diplomacy eases pressure on oil prices
World crude oil prices have retreated following George Bush’s speech to the United Nations in which he said he would work on a new resolution against Iraq.

Man dies in quarry accident
A man in his 60’s has been killed in a quarry accident in Co Cavan

Louth woman questioned over Belgium drugs haul
A Co Louth woman is being questioned in relation to the massive shipment of drugs discovered on an Irish-registered truck in Belgium last week.

Jury returns accidental death verdict
An inquest in Dublin has heard that dashboard toys and bunting obscured the view of a truck driver, whose articulated lorry struck and killed a German cyclist in the city centre last year.

Cross-border police units to tackle crime
Special EU cross-border police squads are to be set up in the coming months to tackle organised crime and terrorism, according to reports.

Appeal date set in incinerator case
Leading racehorse trainer Aidan O’Brien has told the High Court that he believes the health of his family and local residents would be put at risk if a waste management company is allowed to build an incinerator near his home in the Golden Vale.

Bertie Bowl scrapped in favour of roads
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stated investment in road, rail and other infrastructural developments over the lifetime of the Government has meant there is no public funds to proceed with Stadium Ireland.

Four asylum seekers discovered on truck
Four asylum seekers have been discovered in the back of an articulated lorry - that arrived from Cherbourg - on the M50 motorway.

Give the PIAB radical powers - insurers urge
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board could cut legal costs by as much as euro 220 million per year, if it is given radical powers, according to the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF).

Oil prices continue to soar
Crude oil prices have soared again following a warning from the US Navy that oil tankers operating out of the Middle East could become a potential target for al Qaeda terrorists.

Howlin calls for challenge to waste plan
Labour deputy Brendan Howlin wants the South East Waste Management Plan challenged in the courts, it has emerged.

Stuck truck as authorities pass the buck
Traffic was delayed for more than two hours yesterday (Tuesday) 10th September at Cromaglan, Killarney, Co Kerry when an articulated truck got wedged under a bridge.

Oil prices soar to one year high
Crude oil prices have soared to their highest level in over a year on the back of rumours that OPEC will not increase oil output if the United Sates launches a military attack on Iraq.

IIF wants get tough policy on insurance fraud
The insurance industry has called on the Government to put legislation in place so that insurance fraud can be treated as a separate criminal charge.

Quarry tax bites in the North
The Quarry Products Association in Northern Ireland has launched a blistering attack on Treasury representatives for their failure to listen at first hand to the views of the association in relation to the aggregate tax.

No foal no fee advertising to face ban
The Law Society is backing new regulations to ban solicitors from advertising for compensation business. The ban is due to come into force in November.

Confidence declines among managers
A survey commissioned by Deloitte and Touche has found that confidence amongst the state’s business managers has fallen sharply in comparison to the second half of 2001 and the majority believe conditions are set to worsen before the end of the year.

Horses for courses
Horse racing illuminaries Aidan O’Brien and JP Magnier are to begin legal proceedings in the High Court against a proposed incinerator in Co Tipperary.

Sign of the times
The Department of Transport is set to scrap more than 36,000 speed limit signs around the country and replace them with new signs in kilometres per hour.

Council defers delivery ban
Dublin City Council’s plan to ban commercial traffic from the city centre for 10 hours each day has been deferred to allow for consultation with interested parties.

Planning Permission needed for expansion
The Dublin Port Company must apply for planning permission to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay, according to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Four died in weekend of carnage
Four people lost their lives on the nation’s roads in another weekend of carnage, bringing the death toll so far this year to 274.

Fishing for diesel launderers
The Fisheries Board in the border region has joined with gardai and customs officials in the fight against fuel laundering.

Three die in truck horror smash
Three people have been killed and another three injured, including a five-year-old child and her mother, following a collision involving a four-wheel drive jeep and an articulated lorry in Co. Armagh.

Minister to decide on Castle's fate next week
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has visited Carrickmines Castle - which is situated directly in the path of the southeastern section of the M50 motorway which is currently under construction - and said he will announce his decision on its fate next week.

Waste not, want not
NTR, the company that owns and operates Dublin's East and West link toll bridges and owns most of waste management company, Celtic Waste has reported a whopping 61.4 per cent rise in after tax profits for the last six months.

Prices rocket in wake of euro changeover
We mightn't have been ripped of during the euro changeover but prices have rocketed ever since, according to statistics just released by the Consumers Association of Ireland.

Brokers to continue with insurance renewals
The Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment looks set to amend regulations governing the issuing of motor insurance renewals.

Woman dies in horror truck smash
A young woman from Co. Down has died following a three vehicle collision on the N1, near the border.

Slow drivers are idiots - Judge
Safety experts have backed a Judge who branded slow drivers as “idiots” and a menace on the road.

Belgian police find huge drug haul as Irish driver goes AWOL
A euro 30 million shipment of drugs bound for Ireland was discovered in Belgium when the driver of the truck transporting the drugs abandoned his vehicle.

Motorist may lose out in first insurance reform
The Government’s first step towards reforming the insurance industry may end up costing the motorist, according to the Irish Brokers’ Association.

OPEC tight-lipped on production quotas
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is due to meet in Japan on September 19 to chart production quotas for the fourth quarter of the year, but sources are remaining tight-lipped as to the cartel’s intentions.

Farmers end Drogheda blockade
More than 400 farmers have lifted their blockade of Drogheda Port in Co Louth to protest at the landing of a large shipment of wheat following a deal between the importer and the Irish Farmers’ Association.

A truck Odyssey in Belfast
All roads lead to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast this weekend for Truck Show 2002 sponsored by contact-hire specialists Fleet Solutions.

Three die as death toll reaches 265
Three people have died on the nation’s roads this weekend, bringing the death toll so far this year to 265.

Protestors occupy M50 site
More than a dozen protestors have occupied Carrickmines Castle on the site of the South-Eastern section M50 in a bid to save the partially excavated site.

Drug drive figures released
Nearly four out of 10 drivers tested for drink-driving tested positive for drugs, according to an unpublished Government report.

Ferry good way of dumping waste
Waste disposal contractors, anxious to beat ever spiralling landfill charges are hauling refuse to Scotland to avail of cheaper dumping charges.

Banks and Insurance companies to face investigation
The insurance industry and the banks are to be investigated by the Competition Authority.

Ferry fire forces U-Turn
The Fishguard bound Stena Link 3 fast ferry was forced to return to Rosslare yesterday September 1st when a fire broke out in the engine room at around 1.30pm.

Hauliers my be forced to sell off trucks - survey
Continued increases in insurance premiums could force haulage companies to sell off part of their fleet to meet costs, according to the Irish Road Haulage Association.

Weekend road closures
Gardai have advised motorists there will be road closures on the northside of Dublin this weekend as a result of ongoing construction work at Dublin Port Tunnel.

Work on last leg of M50 to resume
Archeological excavation work at Carrickmines Castle in south county Dublin will cease this weekend to facilitate construction work on the last leg of the M50.

RHA host meeting on new asylum bill
The Road Haulage Association in Britain is hosting a meeting of European road haulage associations this weekend to discuss the implications of Immigration and Asylum Bill 2002.

Call to reschedule car free day in the capital
Kerry TD Jackie Healy Rea has called on the Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan, to ask Dublin City Council to postpone the “free day” planned for September 22, because it clashes with the All-Ireland Football final.

August 2002

Wexford haulage company in the glare of unwelcome publicity
The death of a Polish truck driver working in Ireland and the repatriation of his body to his homeland has cast an unwanted spotlight on a Co Wexford haulage company.

A bridge too far
Dublin commuters faced traffic chaos yesterday evening August 27th when an articulated lorry became wedged under a railway bridge on North Strand Road at about 7.00pm.

Bypass fears played down by Kildare Councillor
Kildare Deputy Sean O’Fearghail has rejected claims that the proposed Monasterevin by-pass is at risk due to a lack of funding.

New traffic management plan slated as Minister baffled by new signs
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has discovered at first hand how confusing Dublin’s new traffic signs can be, and he wants them removed or changed at the very least.

Penalty points by October
The penalty points first mooted in 1998 will be operational in October but will be administered manually, according to sources at the Department of Transport.

Government's road safety record is criticised
The Labour Party’s spokeswoman on Transport, Joan Burton has lashed the Government’s road safety strategy, following the publication of an internal review of the strategy.

Slane bridge claims another truck
Slane bridge in Co Meath was the scene of yet another serious crash when a refuse truck toppled over and demolished part of the parapet of the bridge.

Limerick traffic grinds to a halt
There was two-mile tailbacks in Limerick yesterday after Condell Road was closed following subsidence in a tunnel.

Freight firm could be bought out
Hopes are high that a buyer can be found for Intel International Freight, the freight forwarding company that went into liquidation last week.

Three die in weekend of carnage
Three people have lost their lives in road accidents in yet another weekend of carnage.

Insurance biggest problem - survey
The single biggest problem facing small enterprises is the ever spiralling cost of business insurance, a survey has revealed.

Road safety strategy a failure - report
The Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998/2002 has failed in its objective to reduce road fatalities by 20 per cent, according to a damning report.

Transport Department unhappy with new Dublin plan
The Department of Transport is furious it wasn't consulted about Dublin's new traffic management plan and approval was not sought for its implementation, Irish Trucker has learned.

Dublin in a league of its own
Dublin is at the bottom of a league of 20 major European cities for the time it takes to make a business delivery, a new survey has revealed.

Mobile phone ban by next month
The ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones will be operational next month after a five-month delay.

Intel closure to hit hauliers hard
The closure of Kilkenny based Intel Freight last week will spell the death knell for more than a dozen haulage companies in Ireland, a leading industry figure has predicted.

New refuse tax criticised by Councillor
The proposed new refuse tax has been strongly objected to by Tullamore Councillor Sean O’Brien - the new tax would be Eur5 a week to each household and will be on top of the charges that people already pay to waste management companies.

N2 Carrickmacross bypass gets green light
The Carrickmacross bypass on the N2 in south Co Monaghan has been finally given the go-ahead following a funding controversy earlier this year.

Crude oil breaks $30 mark
Crude oil prices briefly broke through the $30 per barrel mark for the first time in 15 months as concerns grew over a possible US military strike on Iraq.

Deasy wants increased parking fine
Motorists who park illegally in spaces designated for people with disabilities should face a heft fine according to Fine Gael’s Justice spokesman John Deasy.

Slane set to rock again
All roads lead to picturesque Slane in Co Meath this weekend where some 60,000 people are expected to attend the annual rock concert, headlined this year by The Stereophonics.

Business insurance costs up by 70 per cent - survey
Business insurance costs have increased by an average of 70 per cent in the past 12 months according to a survey just published by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association (ISME).

Dublin Port diversions
The stretch of the M1 / N1 between Collins Avenue at Whitehall and the Coolock Interchange at Santry will be closed or severely restricted to traffic this weekend from Friday 23rd August at10.00pm until Monday 26th August at 6.00am.

Freight company goes into liquidation
Intel Freight, part of the Intel Logistics group has gone into liquidation with the loss of 48 jobs.

Oil prices hit year high
Crude oil for September delivery has risen to its highest level since the September 11 attacks on the United States following a warning by OPEC that it will not increase production at its September meeting in Vienna.

Hauliers end blockade
The High Court has heard that the blockade at Fingal County Council’s landfill site at Balleally, Lusk has been lifted.

NI customs officials seize 8.5 million cigarettes
Customs officials in Northern Ireland have seized a quantity of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated street value of Stg£1.5 million following a search of a cargo ship at Warrenpoint Port in Co Down.

Motorcyclist dies in truck collision
A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a lorry on the main Limerick to Waterford Road near Carrick-on-Suir.

Lucky escape for bus passengers
Thirteen passengers have escaped serious injury following a collision between a bus, a lorry and a car in Enfield, Co Meath.

Trucker has lucky escape as truck topples over
A lorry driver escaped serious injury when his vehicle toppled over at a busy junction on the outskirts of Newry, Co Down.

New Boyne bridge to set the standard
The first cable stayed bridge of its type in Ireland will open to traffic at the end of the year as part of the Drogheda bypass in Co Louth.

Retail giant to build new distribution centre
Retail giant Musgrave Super Valu - Centra is set to create 200 jobs at a new distribution centre in Co Kildare.

TD criticises insurance companies over premium hikes
The insurance industry has been accused of cashing in on the aftermath of September 11 by Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming.

Four die in weekend of carnage
Four people were killed on the roads in another weekend of carnage bringing the death toll for the year to more than 250.

EPA to hold oral hearing on Meath landfill site
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an oral hearing next month into objections to the granting of a licence for landfill in Co Meath.

Kenny calls on Taoiseach to come clean
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has launched a blistering attack on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern claiming that he is telling lies over the state of the economy.

Dual carriageway work held up
The construction of a dual carriageway close to the picturesque Glen of the Downs in Co. Wicklow has been held up due to a tense stand-off between a local resident and Wicklow County Council over monies owed.

Roadblock attack on courier
A courier is in hospital with serious leg injuries after he was ambushed during the course of his work in
Cork city.

Reward offered for containers
A reward has been offered for any information leading to the recovery of two million euros worth of
cigarettes stolen from two containers at Dublin docks on Tuesday last.

Motorway shut for weekend
A 1.3km section of the M4 motorway between the Leixlip/Lucan and Maynooth interchanges will be temporarily closed this weekend.

Freight is best - P & O
Shipping giant P&O Neddloyd's latest trading statement has shown that the company's freight volumes on the Irish Sea have increased by 12 per cent over the second quarter of 2002 and by double that
over the first six months of the year.

Signs come in for criticism
The signs dotted around Ireland's roads have come in for severe criticism from firms within the
handling and distribution industry who say they are contributing to gridlock, delays and risk-taking by
motorists.

Truck heights clampdown
New national standards setting the maximum height of trucks are in line to be put in place by the end of 2003, it has emerged following consultations between the Government and its EU partners.

Crash barrier extension scheme on the way
EU-standard concrete or metal barriers are to be fitted on all existing motorways and dual carriageways over the course of the next three years, the National Roads Authority has confirmed.

Staff at Rosslare Port much relieved
Sea and air rescue teams in Co. Wexford have expressed their relief after a trawler crew of six escaped uninjured after a sea collision off the Port of Rosslare with a cargo ship.

Incinerator applications "undemocratic" - claim
The head of one of the most vociferous anti-incineration groups in the country has branded the system of sending applications for incinerators directly to An Bord Pleanala has "undemocratic."

Port of Waterford considers disposal option
The Port of Waterford, in association with a number of shipping lines, is investigating the feasibility of shipping large volumes of waste abroad, as local businesses and industries seek to cut their mounting disposal costs.

Road building challenged
Work on the construction of a large section of motorway in the south of Ireland may be held up if objections by a group of campaigners are upheld by the courts in the coming months.

Illegal dumps face closure
The operators of three illlegal dumps in Carlow are facing legal action by the local authority which may see the sites at Ardristan, Clonegal and Ratheden close after reputedly being used for building and construction waste deposits for the past number of years.

Big delays ahead for motorists
The traffic concerns of motorists in Dublin brought on by the ongoing work on the LUAS will be compounded by the closure of a short stretch of road on the northside of the city.

Rehab the key - Federation
People should be forced to undergo rehabilitation if they undertake personal injury claims, the Irish Insurance Federation has stated.

New rail link completed
Dublin Transportation Office has welcomed the completion of a key link in the planned Luas project.

Blood clot hazard for hauliers
The danger posed to hauliers and other motorists from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long trips is an ever-increasing one, a new report has concluded.

Brennan seeks to allay motorists' concerns
Increasing concerns among motorists in Dublin regarding possible delays in the start-up date for the city's metro system have been addressed by the Government.

Airport gets boost
Waterford's South East Regional Airport has received a major boost with the news that it is on target to increase its traffic numbers considerably following a 2.305 million euros windfall from the Government.

Claims that bypass will be out of date
A Kildare County Councillor has claimed that by the time the Kildare bypass is completed, it will not be able to cope with the increasing volume of traffic using the interchange to the town.

Department of Transport comes under fire
The Department of Transport has insisted that the planned motoring penalty points system will be in place by next year after coming under fire from opposition politicians and hearing of ongoing concerns from the National Safety Council.

Maxol in Estuary Fuels takeover?
There is increasing speculation in business circles that the south-west based privately-owned oil products distributor Estuary Fuels is to be taken over by Maxol.

Union highlights danger to motorists
The Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association has claimed that hundreds of motorists are in danger of being killed or seriously injured due to their negligence in closing gates at unmanned train crossings.

Waste plan deadlocked
A company's plan to treat the country's meat and bone meal waste using an incinerator has run into opposition from community groups in south Tipperary.

New lanes opened on A6
The official opening of the new £1.1 million climbing lane scheme on the A6 Belfast to Derry Road between Dungiven and Drumahoe have been recently opened by Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson.

Investigation into illegal dump
An investigation has been called into the activity of an illegal dump in County Carlow, that has been discovered in Clonegal recently.

Dublin Port tunnel essential work
The stretch of the M1/N1 between Collins Avenue at Whitehall and Coolock Interchange at Santry will be closed or severely restricted to traffic (Fridays 10pm thru Mondays 6am) for up to four weekends, starting Friday, August 9 2002.

Recycling centre opposed
Clare County Council's plans to establish a state-of-the art recycling centre just outside Ennis has come under fire from local industries and the Brothers of Charity there.

Traffic corps to get green light
The spate of holiday weekend road tragedies has coincided with the disclosure that a special new traffic corps is to be established to help in the fight to reduce the carnage on Ireland's road network.

New road network for Waterford city
Waterford local authority's long-time bid to iImprove road access from Waterford to Cork city has received a boost with the news that Compulsory Purchase Orders have been published in relation to the development of a much-needed stretch of additional dual carriageway.

Chief calls for insurance rap
All insurance policy holders would be much better off if the Government made insurance fraud a specific offence in the eyes of the law.

Holiday chaos likely on the roads
Motorists of all varieties are being warned to be vigilant this holiday weekend as bad to dangerous traffic conditions.

Late payments outlawed from Wednesday
The haulage industry has been boosted by the news that only 30 days credit will be acceptable business practise from next Wednesday on.

Negligent claim for waste firm and landowner
The on-going case of Wicklow County Council sueing Mr Clifford Fenton, landowner at Coolnamadra and Swalcliffe Ltd t/a Dublin Waste reached a conclusion yesterday when the High Court ruled that the defendants were guilty of negligence.

Lack of funds for road plans
The Government’s plan to build a network of motorways has been hit by a major problem - a shortage of funds, according to the Construction Industry Federation.

Court action to decide Luas job
Mr Donal Mangan, outgoing Head of the Luas project has begun High Court action against the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) over their decision not to appoint him chief executive.

Company attacked over toxic spillage
A Limerick company who were convicted of a massive toxic spillage at it’s plant, have been accused of having a ‘lackadaisical approach’ regards reporting the spillage to the Environmental Protection Agency by the Cappagh Farmers Support Group.

No problem with Luas bridge
Reports suggesting last week that the Eur8 million Luas bridge in Dundrum was too low are untrue, according to a Luas Spokesman.

Traffic plan causes concern
Councillors in Roscommon have been outraged by the proposal that a new traffic plan for the new stretch of the N5 between Scramogue and Tarmonbarry, which could cause major disruption to local residents and landowners.

AA aghast at proposed fuel levy
The Automobile Association has come out strongly in support of hauliers' protests at any move by the Government to introduce a special levy on fuel to pay for a massive shortfall in the national roads budget.

New car levy on the way?
Hard-up motorists could soon be hit in the pocket once again if plans currently being teased out by the Government in relation to the possible introduction of a levy on new cars comes to fruition.

July 2002

Hope on the horizon for young drivers
The implementation of several recommendations from the Motor Insurance Advisory Board is expected to kickstart attempts by the Government to cut the cost of motor insurance in Ireland.

Call for new port for the west
A senior member of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board has called for the development of a major harbour at either Ballyglass (near Belmullet), Achill Island or Kilcummin (near Ballina) to boost local commercial, marine and tourism activities.

Big car-free day on the way
A number of Irish cities and towns have agreed to take part in European Car-Free day on Sunday, September 22nd next and as part of the experiment a number of streets in Dublin will be pedestrianised.

Taxi drivers looking for hardship pay
The Taxi Hardship Panel is to seek compensation of up to 80,000 euros for taxi drivers effected by the drop in value of licence plates after deregulation of the market last year.

An Bord Pleanala give Dundalk bypass go-ahead
The North Louth section of the Larne-Rosslare Euro route has received planning permission from An Bord Pleanala - the Eur80 million project will extend from the Southern Link interchange at Heynestown and end just 1/4 of a mile north of the Ballymascanlon roundabout.

Clampdown on transport of cattle
Hauliers ordinarily engaged in the transport of cattle or other farmyard animals are due to come under increasing scrutiny by the EU following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease last year.

Concern over Luas development
Locals in the Dundrum and greater south County Dublin area are heading on a collision course with engineers responsible for the nearby Luas development works over concern for the future of a valued heritage site.

IBEC wants ESB price increase to be phased in
The employers’ body IBEC will tell the Commissioner for Electricity Regulation that it wants the impending ESB price hike phased in over a number of years.

Safety plan refused by the NRA
Galway County Council’s proposal to implement a safety plan at Clonboo on the Headford road has been turned down by the National Roads Authority for being too excessive.

Road scheme nears completion
The new overtaking lane at Tattykeel, Co Tyrone on the busy A5 Omagh to Ballygawley Road is about to be opened much to the delight of Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson.

Drugs seizure at Dublin port
A consignment of Cannabis with a estimated street value of euro 15 million has been seized at Dublin Port.

Five die in weekend of carnage
In a weekend of carnage five young men were killed in separate road accidents bringing the death toll so far this year to 216.

New cement factory will start production next month
A new cement factory, built at a cost of euro 100 million will start full production next month near Kinnegad in Co Westmeath.

Fuel companies to tackle NI smuggling problem
Two of Northern Ireland’s largest fuel suppliers have said they will tackle the problem of filling stations selling smuggled fuel, in the wake of a critical report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.

Hospital waste in illegal Wicklow dump
Wicklow County Manager Eddie Sheehy has told the High Court in Dublin that it was impossible to separate about 200 tonnes of hospital waste from thousands of tonnes of other waste because of the way it was intermingled.

Customs officers seize smuggled tobacco at Cork port
Customs and Excise officials have seized a substantial quantity of “roll your own” tobacco and packaging hidden behind giant earthenware pots in a container at Cork port.

Two die in construction accidents
Two men have died following accidents on building sites.

UK tanker strike called off
Oil tanker drivers at P & O Trans European have called off a strike that would have halted fuel deliveries to Shell services throughout the UK over the weekend.

Truck crash victim named
The 22-year-old woman who died following a collision between a car and a parked lorry in Co Armagh, has been named as Naomi Moran, from Bessbrook.

Gardai foil ATM robbery in Co Monaghan
Thieves stole an ATM machine from a filling station at Largy, near Clones, Co Monaghan but later fled empty-handed when pursued by the Gardai.

AA highlights dangerous roads
The Automobile Association has compiled a list of the most dangerous roads in Britain and included them in an atlas in an attempt to cut the road death toll at accident blackspots.

DAF has it covered
DAF Distributors Ireland Ltd., is the sole importer of DAF trucks in Ireland. The company, part of the OHM group, performs a dual-role in the Irish market acting as an importer / retailer in the greater Dublin area and as a wholesaler to a network of main dealers throughout the country.

Jerry contains the competition
It is amazing what you can do with a freight container. The uses to which it can be put are as limitless as the inventiveness of the human mind, writes John Loughran.

Hospital waste turns up in illegal Wicklow dump
More than 400 tonnes of hospital waste from two Dublin hospitals ended up in an illegal dump in Co Wicklow, the High Court in Dublin has heard.

ISME warns on euro's strength
Small business lobby group ISME has warned the government that an appreciating euro -against the dollar and sterling - may threaten Irish exports and ultimately put jobs at risk.

'Lights on Daytime' initiative launched
Dublin City Council has launched a new road safety initiative called “Lights on Daytime” in a bid to cut the spiralling number of road fatalities in the capital.

More than half of NI stations sell smuggled fuel
More than half of the filling stations in Northern Ireland are selling smuggled fuels, according to a report just released.

Woman dies in truck collision
A 22-year-old woman has died following a collision between a car and a stationary lorry in Co Armagh.

Truck crash victim in serious condition
A man in his 60’s is in a “serious condition” at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin following a collision between a car and a truck.

European Commission promises cheaper cars
The European Commission has promised consumers cheaper cars and car parts as it unveiled new rules to govern the car market across the European Union.

Longford waste goes to Germany
All of County Longford’s domestic waste will now be shipped to Germany because waste Collectors, Mulleadys have run out of landfill options.

Hauliers accused of alleged animal abuse
Animal welfare group, Compassion in World Farming has claimed that a number of Irish livestock hauliers have been caught “red handed” flouting EU animal welfare laws in transporting live cattle to the continent.

Illegal waste dump discovered near Enniscorthy
Thousands of tonnes of commercial waste have been dumped illegally at a site close to a Wexford village, Irish Trucker has learned.

Gardai appeal for witnesses to fatal truck crash
Gardai at Store Street in Dublin (01 6668064) have appealed for witnesses to a fatal accident at Bachelor’s Walk at 10.00am last Saturday 13th July to come forward

Waste clear up to cost euro 20 million
The High Court has heard it will take up to euro 20 million to restore and make safe an illegal dump at Coolnamadra, Donard, Co Wicklow.

Controversial car industry reforms on way
The European Commission is expected to approve controversial reforms aimed at liberalising the car retail market at a meeting in Brussels today. (17th July).

Lucky to be alive
The driver of a Canadian freight train had a near miraculous escape on Monday (15th July), following a derailment near Allenton, Wisconson.

Bring centres are success in Leitrim
Leitrim County Council have expressed their delight over the success of the 26 bring centres in the county and have said that they have no worries over the centre’s turning into illegal dumps.

Calls for Ballynahinch by-pass to be prioritised
Locals representatives met with Assembly member Dr Alistair McDonnell to discuss the proposed Ballnahinch by-pass.

Euro reaches parity with dollar
The euro has reached parity with the dollar for the first time in more than two years as a groundswell of concern builds up about the health of the US economy, following successive accounting scandals.

Stena to launch new super ship
Competition is set to hot up on the Irish Sea next summer when Stena Line launches a new 44,000 tonne super ferry on the Dublin to Holyhead route.

Online road tax next year
Truckers will soon be able to renew their motor tax online, following the introduction of new technology.

Documents still missing on illegal dump
Wicklow County Council has admitted that it has mislaid a file containing information on an illegal dump at Whitestown, near Baltinglass.

Developers offer to fund road construction
Wicklow County Council has heard that a consortium of developers has offered to put up euro 20 million in short term funding to construct a road and an interchange near Greystones.

EU plan for cheaper cars in jeopardy
An EU plan to cut the price of new cars may have to be watered down because of intense lobbying from the motor industry.

By-pass in Monasterevin to be tolled
The construction of the Monasterevin by-pass may be put on hold due to the country’s budgetary downturn and if this occurs the by-pass may be tolled.

Five die in weekend of carnage
The death toll on the roads continues to spiral as five people lost their lives in separate accidents in a weekend of carnage.

Cattle exports down
Supplies of cattle at export meat plants were down by 68,000 for the first six months compared with the same period last year.

Economy picking up - survey
The Irish economy is picking up again, according to a survey conducted by leading recruitment agency, Reed.

Incinerator company call for Walsh support
The company that has been given planning permission to build a controversial meat and bonemeal incinerator in the Golden Vale, has called on Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to restate his support for the project.

Vodka robbers arrested
Gardai in Naas, Co Kildare have recovered most of the vodka, estimated to be worth euro one million, which was stolen from a warehouse in the town two weeks ago.

Police appeal for witnesses to fatal crash
Police in Northern Ireland have appealed to witnesses to a fatal accident on the A1, just outside Newry, which claimed the life of an 11-week-old baby to come forward.

Private industry to plug black hole
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is planning to raise euro 2 billion from private industry to plug the gaping hole in the Government's road building project.

Drugs import ring smashed
Gardai are holding a prominent Dublin GAA figure in custody after detectives smashed a drugs importation racket estimated to be worth millions of euro.

Investigation launched into quarry death
An investigation has been launched into the death of a young man who was crushed to death at a quarry in Arigna, Co Roscommon on Wednesday (10th July)

Illegal dumping is still rife
The incidence of illegal dumping in Ireland is on the increase, according to a leading waste management company.

Mayo TD calls for state insurance company
A Mayo TD wants the euro 23 million lying idle in the PMPA rescue fund to be utilsed to prevent hundreds of Irish companies going out of business because of spiralling insurance premiums.

Road fund consortium gets planning approval
A company offering to fund a new interchange and feeder road between the N11 and Greystones in Co Wicklow has been granted planning permission for a major commercial development south of the town.

McCreevy warns on spending
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has issued a new warning to Government ministers on spending.

Truck crash driver jailed for two years
A man who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his best friend has been jailed for two years and banned from driving for 10 years when he appeared for sentencing at Ennis District Court.

Residents want road safety measures on killer road
A company offering to fund a new interchange and feeder road between the N11 and Greystones in Co Wicklow has been granted planning permission for a major commercial development south of the town.

AIB launches new business website
AIB has introduced a business website, www.aib.ie/business, for owners and managers of small and medium sized enterprises.

Elderly brother and sister die in truck collision
An elderly brother and sister have died following a collision with an articulated fuel tanker in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

Trucker fined after toddler death
The death of a six-week old baby, who was killed when a truck tipping a load of topsoil toppled over onto the car in which the infant was travelling, has been recalled at Dublin District Court.

Wexford councillors reject incineration
Wexford county councillors have voted by 12 votes to seven to reject a waste management plan for the south-east that includes incineration.

Euro edges closer to parity with dollar
The euro has moved to within a cent of parity with the dollar as the US currency fell to a two-year low against sterling.

Clamping official injured
A clamping official was slightly injured when an irate motorist drove his car off the back of a tow truck, which was preparing to take it away.

Trucker fined for truncheon attack
A Co Kilkenny lorry driver has been fined euro 200 for assaulting a man with a truncheon on an industrial estate in Cork last November.

Tullamore Bypass gets approval
The National Roads Authority has finally approved plans drawn up by Offaly County Council for a bypass around Tullamore.

Motorists still face difficulties despite cheap fuel
The ConsumersÕ Association of Ireland believes that Irish motorists face severe difficulties despite having the cheapest petrol in Europe.

RHA recruits owner-drivers
The Road Haulage Association in Britain is seeking to increase its membership amongst owner-operators and is set to launch a new scheme, ‘RHAone’, which it believes will deliver help where it is most needed.

NI customs raid fuel laundering plant
Customs and Excise officials in Northern Ireland have shut a major fuel laundering plant, near Rathfriland in Co Down.

Bridge under repair in Limerick
The Groody bridge on the Dublin Road out of Limerick will have to undergo further repair after more cracks were found in the structure.

Mobile ban will be enforced in September
The Gardai will begin enforcing the ban on the use of mobile phones whilst driving in September.

Brennan anxious to have penalty points system by September
Transport Minster, Seamus Brennan is also anxious to have the penalty points system up and running in September.

Wexford councillors to vote on controversial plan
Wexford councillors to vote on controversial Wexford county councillors will vote today July 8th on a regional waste management plan which includes incineration.

IRHA looks to new insurers
The Irish Road Haulage Association has set up an insurance sub-committee to look into the possibility of enticing new players into the commercial insurance market in response to ever increasing premiums.

Analysts predict spending cuts
Borrowings to the tune of euro 6 billion and a reduction in spending will be needed in the next two years if the Government is to maintain investment in infrastructure and the health service, analysts have predicted.

North's transport upgrade unveiled
Northern Ireland’s Development Minister, Peter Robinson has unveiled a rail and road transport blue-print to be introduced over 10 years at a cost of £3.5 billion.

McManus calls for investigation
Labour’s spokeswoman on health, Liz McManus has called for a Garda or Government appointed commissioner to investigate Wicklow County Council’s loss of a file on illegal dumping in the county.

Excuses Excuses Excuses
Nobody likes admitting they are wrong in the event of a road accident and many will offer the flimsiest of excuses, according to RAC Insurance in Britain.

Motorists are paying through the nose
Irish motorists contributed almost 17 per cent of the country’s total tax take for the first six months of the year, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

Minister announces bridge completion
Regional Development Minister, Mr Peter Robinson recently announced the completion of a £1.3 million contract to strengthen the major bridge which carries the M1 over the River Bann, just west of Portadown.

O'Brien may quit Ireland if incinerator gets go ahead
Leading racehorse trainer Aidan O’Brien has threatened to quit Ireland if a controversial meat and bone incinerator is built near his stables in Ballydoyle, Co Tipperary.

NI Customs official seize cigarettes
Customs officials in Northern Ireland have seized smuggled cigarettes with a street value of £1 million following a raid on a premises on the outskirts of Belfast.

Developer's daughter dies after fall from lorry
The daughter of property developer Owen O’Callaghan has died having spent two weeks on a life support machine following a fall from a lorry.

Government consider paper trail penalty points system
The Government is considering introducing a manual version of the penalty points system, rather than waiting for another year until the computerised version is up and running.

Opposition parties launch blistering attack on McCreevy
Finance Minister, Charlie McCreevy came under pressure last night from Opposition parties who claimed that his “mismanagement” of the economy was now beginning to bite.

Trainer may mount High Court challenge to incinerator plan
A leading racehorse trainer is expected to mount a High Court challenge over a decision to grant planning permission for a controversial meat and bone-meal incinerator in the Golden Vale.

Greens criticise government transport policy
The Green Party has launched a blistering attack of the Government’s transport strategy which it claims is over dependent on building roads while using private finance for public transport.

Two stolen trucks used in Vodka theft
Gardai are investigating the theft of more than 2,000 cases of Vodka with an estimated value of euro 250,000 from a warehouse in Naas, Co. Kildare.

Opening of Dundrum Bypass to revitalize village
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council today July 2nd officially opened the euro 44.4 million Dundrum Bypass when they unveiled a granite commemorative stone near Dundrum Library.

Traffic restrictions in France
International hauliers should note that there will be traffic restrictions in France in July and August for all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than 7.5 tonnes.

Two carriageway a waste of money - locals say
A group opposing a euro 50 million road project in Co Tipperary has said the project is a waste of money because local traffic volumes don’t justify the expense.

GPs against incinerator proposal
Some 40 GPs in the Golden Vale have objected to An Bord Pleanala over the controversial incinerator plan for Rosegreen, Co Tipperary because of major health fears.

Minister calls for significant road improvements
Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson has revealed that approval by the assembly of the Regional Transportation Strategy would result in a significantly improved road network in Northern Ireland.

Wexford needs new system before gridlock occurs
According to Robert Kelly, Senior Roads Engineer and chairman of the steering committee, Wexford will become gridlocked if nothing is done to improve the traffic flow in the town centre.

Cork exports 300 tonnes of commercial waste each week
Irish cities may be forced to export commercial waste in the future because of a scarcity of landfills and the continuing wrangling over proposed incinerators.

Trucker's miracle escape
A British truck driver had a miraculous escape yesterday when his truck collided with a freight train.

Manufacturing growth continues
NCB Stockbrokers Purchasing Manufacturing Index for June has signalled the strongest expansion of the Irish manufacturing economy since July 2000.

Immigrants found dead
Two illegal immigrants have been found dead in the back of a truck at the Italian port of Brindisi.

McCreevy to cut back on roads money
Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy has named road projects as one of the issues that may be shelved as he moves to cut public spending by 1.5 billion euro.

Heavy penalty for company bosses who breach competition law
Tough penalties are to be introduced to deter company bosses from breaching competition laws - fines of up to 4 million euro and a prison sentence will face people who break the law.

Oil company accused of threat to birds
Friends of the Irish Environment have called for a delay to blasting for an oil pipeline by Enterprise Oil, saying the work would destroy the habitat and all the birds situated in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Cork

Call for government to set up state insurance company
There has been a request from a number of politicians for the government to establish a State insurance corporation to ensure that motor insurance is affordable and available to people regardless of age, sex or marital status.

Penalty points system suffers further delays
The penalty points system won’t be operational until next year because of a lack of funds.

Teen cyclist dies in truck crash
A 14-year-old girl has been killed following an accident involving a lorry in Ratoath, Co Meath.

June 2002

Illegal dumping file goes missing
Wicklow Council has misplaced a file dating back to 1998 which contained the registration numbers of lorries engaged in illegal dumping in west Wicklow.

Jeep in demolition derby
A runaway four wheel drive jeep has ploughed into a house in Wicklow town.

More recycling banks on the way
Repak, the waste packaging recycling company is to invest euro 3.9million over the next two years to establish 850 recycling banks throughout the country.

Sleep can kill - its official
A survey conducted by a well known motoring magazine and the RAC has found than one in three young motorists in the Britain admit to falling asleep at the wheel while driving, despite hard hitting government safety campaigns on the dangers of fatigue.

Minister Ahern welcomes the increase in Ireland's trade surplus in January-March 2002
The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr Michael Ahern TD, welcomed the 20% increase in Ireland’s trade surplus recorded in the January - March 2002 trade figures, which were issued today by the Central Statistics Office.

Cost of motoring spirals
The cost of private motoring is accelerating at a rate of 10 per cent per annum and it now costs nearly euro 200 a week to run a small family car, new figures reveal.

OPEC maintain production limits
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will keep stringent oil output limits in place for another three months, raising fears that the price of crude oil may break through the $30 per barrel mark later in the year.

High Court reserves judgement on incinerator plan
The High Court has reserved judgement on an application to prevent an oral hearing about a proposed incinerator going ahead.

Cyclist wins euro 18,000 award after bus collision
A 24-year-old school teacher who was knocked from her bicycle by a bus has been awarded euro 18,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Turnover on transportable goods down
The Central Statistics Office has stated that industrial turnover in transportable goods industries fell by 8.7 per cent during April compared with the same month last year.

Further probe into insurance market on the cards
The Chairman of the Competition Authority, John Fingleton has met with the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, fuelling speculation that the anti-cartel body is set to launch a full-scale investigation into the motor insurance industry.

Euro rip-off uncovered
Its is official. Profiteering at the expense of the consumer was rife during the euro changeover.

McCreevy refuses to rule out raising taxes
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has refused to rule out increasing taxes to keep the public finances in balance.

Mount Blanc Tunnel reopens amid protests
The Mount Blanc tunnel on the French / Italian border has fully reopened for traffic amid protests at both ends of the the Alpine link.

Council urges companies to recycle cans
Kilkenny County Council is urging all companies in its catchment area to sign up for an innovative recycling scheme during the summer months.

Roscommon Co.Co. to unveil route options for by-pass
The route options for the Ballaghaderreen by-pass are to be announced by Roscommon County Council in the next week or so prior to the public consultation planned for the offices of the Border Midland Western Regional Assembly in the town.

Rosslare Europort numbers up from last year
The number of people travelling through Rosslare Europort has increased since last year but still has not reached the high level of 2000.

Wexford's traffic problem may be solved by one-way system
Consultants have suggested that a one way system could alleviate Wexford’s growing traffic problem.

Delivery ban opposed by business group
A group of business organisations has called on Dublin City Council to rethink its proposed ban on commercial deliveries in the city centre during peak times.

Euro soars to new high
The euro has hit a two and a half year high against the US Dollar and it will reach parity in the near future unless sentiment on the US economy improves significantly, experts have forecast.

McCreevy facing grilling on public finances
Finance Minister, Charlie McCreevy is coming under intense pressure to come clean over the state public finances.

Council were within rights to grant planning permission
South Tipperary County Council acted within its remit in granting planning permission for a controversial meat and bone meal incinerator, according to a report just published.

Cllr stays silent over dump issue
The Councillor at the centre of the dump scandal in Co. Wicklow has turned down the chance to tell his side of the story to Wicklow County Council, it has been revealed.

No toll roads for Wicklow
Haulage companies operating in the Wicklow area will be delighted to hear that there is no plans for toll roads in the county, thus saving thousands of euro every year.

Naughten blasts McCreevy and Brennan
Fine Gael’s spokesman on Transport, Denis Naughten believes Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy and Transport Minister Seamus Brennan are jeopardising the country’s future by failing to plan for the full costs of the National Development Plan.

Brennan to meet Gardai over delay in penalty points system
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has summoned senior gardai to a meeting this week to demand the introduction of the penalty points system by September.

Death toll continues to spiral
Five people lost their lives in separate road accidents at the weekend.

Public spending way off target
Public spending has veered wildly off target in the first half of the year, with some departments spending at a rate fives times ahead of budget.

Infrastructure sector continues to grow
The civil engineering and infrastructure sectors will continue to grow in 2002, according to a leading construction cost management firm.

Delivery windows finalised
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has finally negotiated a deal with Dublin City Council over new delivery restrictions in the capital.

Euro moves towards parity with US $
The euro has soared towards parity with the US dollar on the back of continued concerns over the state of corporate America and a widening trade deficit.

Cullen warns builders on waste
The construction industry is dumping euro 1.5 billion worth of rubble and other waste materials annually that could be used in house and road construction, according to Environment Minister Martin Cullen.

Exports fall
Exports to non-European counties fell to euro 2.55 billion in April, a decrease of euro 440 million on the previous month, according to the Central Statistics Office.

More people belting up in North
Research has shown that more people In Northern Ireland are wearing seat belts than ever before, according to a recent survey.

Truck crash victim named
The foreign national who died following a collision between a car and an articulated truck in Co Mayo has been named as Maer Ashfaq, 29, from the Mosque Complex, Ballyhaunis.

Tanaiste cautions against inflation
Tanaiste Mary Harney has hit out at what she describes as the “culture” of rising prices and has admitted that the upward trend in inflation was causing concern.

Irish Ferries to aid Special Olympics
The world’s largest car ferry - Irish Ferries’ giant cruise ship ‘Ulysses’ - will play a leading role in helping to bring the largest sporting event to take place in the world next year to Ireland.

RHA wants challenge to Working Time Directive
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) in Britain has called on their Government to challenge the European Commission on the legality and validity of the Working Time Directive for mobile workers in road transport.

Residents go north to beat the bin charges
Some residents in Ballyshannon in Co Donegal have come up with a novel way of beating the refuse charges by dumping their waste across the border in skips provided by Fermanagh District Council for the residents of near-by Belleek.

Man dies in truck crash in Co Mayo
A man has died following a collision between a car and a truck in Co. Mayo.

McDaid given haulage brief
Former Minister for Tourism, Sports and Recreation, Dr Jim McDaid has been appointed Minister of State at the new Department of Transport

Jacob nuked as Bertie announces his junior ministers
Joe Jacob's tenure as junior minister with responsibility for road haulage has come to an end following Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's announcement of his new 'junior' team.

IBEC warn on public finances and inflation
Employers' lobby group IBEC has appealed to the new Government to return to what it called "good economic management" to redress deteriorating public finances and the possibility of rising inflation.

South Tipp County Council backs incinerator plan
South Tipperary county councillors have voted in favour of a waste management plan for the south-east that includes incineration.

Two men charged with cigarette smuggling
Two men have been charged with attempting to smuggle three million cigarettes into Belfast port last month.

Congestion eased as Newmarket by-pass is opened
The first phase of the Newmarket-on-Fergus bypass was opened recently amid tailbacks and traffic jams, although these problems were soon sorted out and traffic has since been running smoothly.

Lorry and drugs seized in Co Meath swoop
Gardai have seized cannabis resin with a street value of euro 2.5 million in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

Dublin Bus to face competition
The Coalition Government looks set to break up CIE's monopoly on Dublin bus services and will face competition sooner rather than later, it has emerged.

Clampers to target commercial vehicles
Dublin's clampers are set to target commercial vehicles from the beginning of next month, traffic chiefs have warned.

National Safety Council launch road safety campaign
The National Safety Council will run a series of short film advertisements aimed at improving motorists' knowledge of the rules of the road.

Brennan wants penalty points system operational by September
New Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan wants the penalty points system operational by September after being told it could take another nine months before it is up and running.

Transport strategy for road improvements
A regional transport strategy will result in a significant improved road network in the north according to Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson.

Metro link could be operational by 2005
The planned Metro link between Dublin Airport and the city centre may be up and running in 2005 - a full two years ahead of schedule.

SFA criticises Government's insurance proposal
The Small Firms Association has attacked a government proposal to force employers to pay liability insurance and has warned that small firms will be forced out of business as insurance premiums continue to spiral.

Golden Vale residents oppose incinerator
South Tipperary County Council has been told that more than 17,000 signatures have been collected from residents opposed to a planned animal incinerator near Cashel.

Calls for crackdown on dangerous driving
Calls have been made from safety organisations for a renewed crackdown on dangerous driving following revelations that 163 people have been killed on Irish roads so far this year.

Umbrella Group calls for port tunnel resdesign
The Transport Umbrella Group of Dublin Port has called on Dublin City Council to increase the internal height of Dublin Port Tunnel to accommodate the estimated 900 trucks per day that won't be able to use it because of height restrictions.

Announcement of Western by-pass shortly
The proposed Western by-pass of Sligo will have it's designated route selected in the coming months according to Sligo Borough Council Engineer, Tom Brennan.

Cowen defends Ireland's support of EU immigration plans
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen has defended Ireland's support for tough new EU penalties designed to reduce illegal immigration into Europe.

February 2002

Mayo woman awarded €25k compensation
Ms. Phil Walsh of Gortgarve, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo has been awarded €24,628 because of injuries sustained when a council truck reversed up on to the bonnet of her car.

Minister incurs wrath of N26 lobbyists
There was uproar at a public meeting to inform people about the upgrading of the N26 road, when Mr. Michael Holmes, Chairman of the Western Roads Action Committee informed a stunned attendance that an important file on the first phase of upgrading of the N26 road between Ballina and Mount Falcon lay on the desk of the Minister of the Environment for almost eleven months when it should have been with An Bord Pleanala for consideration.

November 2001

Speed cameras nab more than 60,000 motorists
More than 60,000 speeding motorists have been nabbed by the four operational speed cameras in the Louth / Meath and north Dublin Garda divisions, the Dáil has been told.

PAC told truck traffic will bring more deaths
The recent deaths of two cyclists in Dublin city centre following accidents involving heavy goods vehicles were recalled at a sitting of the Dáil Committee on Public Accounts.

Van of the Year shortlist announced
The contenders for the Semperit Irish Van of the Year Award have been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association.

Gardai warns on alcohol
Figures just released by the Garda National Traffic Bureau to coincide with the annual garda anti-drive drive blitz show that alcohol is a contributory factor in 40 per cent of all fatal road accidents.

RHA push for 10 hour night time shift
Members of the European Parliament have been told that night time work in the Working Time Directive must be set at a minimum of 10 hours.

Gardaí ready to launch anti-drink drive campaign
Gardaí will launch their biggest ever anti- drink drive campaign in the next two weeks with the promise that extra resources will be diverted to traffic duties.

Traffic chaos grips city after vandals dump crane in river
Dublin city centre traffic ground to a halt when vandals toppled a 50 tonne crane into the River Liffey.

Truck driver gets suspensed sentence
A truck driver who was involved in fatal traffic accident last year received a three month suspended jail sentence and was banned from driving for four years when he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Trim Circuit Court last week.

October 2001

Rescue efforts continue in search of tunnel victims
More than 120 people are still missing, following the fire at the Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland on Wednesday.

Garda Appeal
Gardaí have appealed for information about a traffic accident in which a young woman died in Dublin.

Bus protest holds up Galway traffic
Traffic in the vicinity of Galway city bus station was brought to a standstill for 45 minutes as a result of a one man protest.

Spanish lorry caught in drugs swoop
Customs officers in Britain swooped to seize £12 million worth of cocaine in a second major drugs bust in the space of 24 hours.

Garda swoop on diesel laundering plant
Gardaí and Customs Officials have discovered what is believed to be one Ireland’s biggest diesel laundering operations in a swoop on an isolated farm in Co Monaghan.

Strikes affects Eurostar
A strike by Belgian rail workers resulted in Eurostar cancelling more than half of its trains from London to Brussels.

Toxic chemical dumped at beauty spot
Customs officials in Northern Ireland have appealed for information regarding the dumping of chemicals, used in laundering diesel, at a top beauty spot.

Oil prices rise on back of rumours
World oil prices have tumbled by 25 per cent since the terrorist attacks on the US on 11th September. It now seems likely the Organisation of Pretroleum Exportng Countries (OPEC) will intervene by cutting production levels to prop up prices.

Tests delays on the increase
Despite the best efforts of the Government, “Learner” drivers are waiting longer to sit their driving tests, according to new figures just released.

Opposition urge for sanctions against euro profiteers
Opposition politicians have challenged the Government to introduce effective sanctions against businesses that profit during the changeover to the euro currency.

July 2001

Coming to a town near you
It is certainly one of the most unusual articulated trucks on the road and it is coming to a town close to you.

June 2001

Walking in aid of charity
Allen Beck area manager for the Road Haulage Association in Northern Ireland is set to walk the 120 miles or so from Dublin to Belfast at the end of September to raise funds for a number of notable charities on both sides of the border.

May 2001

Out with the old, in with the new
Sean Delaney is the new President of the IRHA. John Loughran talks to the Cork native on his agenda
for the next two years and also meets up with Gerry McMahon who looks back on his term as President.

Volvo happy with status quo
Volvos joint-importers McCarthy Commercials in Cork and Irish Commercials in Naas are happy to report that sales in the first quarter have held up well despite a slow down in the Irish economy, stubbornly high inflation and the impact of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

BBC TV star presented with new Canter 75
TV celebrity gardening handyman, Tommy Walsh, has been presented with a brand new vehicle - a Mitsubishi Canter 75. Tommy, an integral part of the gardening TV series Ground Force will soon be seen driving the Canter in future BBC television programmes.

MAN Importers happy with move and first quarter results
MAN Importers Ireland Ltd., has recently moved to a new £4 million premises at Oak Close Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12.

Van Fares
Irish Ferries has extended its range of car fares to include vans carried on its services to Holyhead and Pembroke providing they do not exceed agreed dimensions.

Scania report significant slump in sales
Scania, represented in Ireland by Westward Scania based in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, and an eight strong dealer sales and after sales network throughout the country, has reported a significant downturn in economic activity in the first quarter of 2001.

April 2001

New Managing Director of Ford Ireland announced
Ford Motor Company Limited has announced the appointment of Eddie Murphy as Managing Director of its Irish subsidiary Henry Ford & Son Limited.

Irish Truck Owners save with Possio
Due to Ireland’s island status all exports must be carried to and from Europe by truck. As a result roaming costs for haulage firms are high and this is where Possio makes great savings.

Lawless Automotive go on-line
Lawless Automotive have launched its new website, which should make shopping for car audio, security and multimedia, a whole new experience.

Feederlink increase sailings following fleet addition
Feederlink a company within the Container Division of Irish Continental Group, has announced the introduction of an additional Tuesday sailing from Grangemouth to Felixstowe and a new Friday service from South Shields to Felixstowe.

Volkswagen appoints Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager
The Volkswagen Division of Motor Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of Philip Sheridan as Sales Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Getting to the points
Minister for Environment Noel Dempsey is set to introduce new legislation on a driving license penalty points system before the end of the current Dáil.

"MAN TG-A wins top marks from the drivers in the artic test 2001"
The MAN Trucknology Generation (TG-A XXL), already “Truck of the Year 2001”, is now also “arctic-proof”. Six trade journalists were the test drivers from Norway, Sweeden, Finland, Belgium and UK gave MAN their best marks in the 12th Arctic Test 2001.

James P Jones on the move
James P Jones & Son Limited have moved to new premises recently at No. 2 East Park, World Aviation Park, Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Complete range of end-user mini-catalogues
Fleetguard, a leading worldwide manufacturer of filtration products and systems for heavy-duty diesel applications, offers a complete new range of Mini Catalogues for potential end-users now.

Ford Ireland Chairman to stand down after 42 years service
The Irish motor industry bids farewell to one of its longest serving and most illustrious chiefs this month, when Eddie Nolan retires as Chairman and Managing Director of Henry Ford & Son Limited.

CV Show - Another outstanding success
Europe’s biggest CV show was another huge success with all five halls busy at Birmingham’s NEC.

Cavewood trial Schmitz Euroliners for European network
Cavewood Ltd, one of the leading road distribution companies in Europe, has recently taken delivery of its first 3 Schmitz Cargobull manufactured Euroliner trailers

"New DAF CF Series in Production"
With the new CF series, DAF Trucks is introducing a new generation of trucks, in the category from 18 tonnes GVW to train weights of 40 tonnes and over

March 2001

AIB keeps IrelandÕs Commercial Fleets on the move
While sales of heavy commercial vehicles have reduced in 2000, AIB Finance & Leasing has increased its market share of new vehicles by 29%.

Asgard Software Open Day
Asgard Software, specialists in providing software for freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution and logistics industries are holding their first Open Day on the 28th March.

Thermo King top choice for additions to Tesco Trailer Fleet
Thermo King is helping Tesco Stores break new ground in using a new batch of multi-temperature double-decked reefers to make food deliveries to its large grocery stores around the United Kingdom.

RoRo Express rolls into action with TIP
TIP/CTR is supplying 300 curtainsided trailers on a 5-year lease to RoRo Express for use on the first direct sea link from the UK to Morocco. The first batch of trailers from TIP left Southampton on 29 January 2001, and will be going into service with weekly voyages between Southampton, Porto (Portugal) and Tangier (Morocco) starting 3rd February.

TSS launch web site
Technical Support Services have just launched a new web site. www.tssltd.ie will give customers 24 hour access to information relating to the entire Zepro and Carrier Transicold range for which TSS are the Irish agents.

Garrett Range comes to Ireland
Assured Performance Int. (Ire) Ltd., based in Ballymount Court, Ballymount Road, Dublin has been appointed official distributors for the “Garrett” range of turbochargers.

Plant & Transport Market Specialist joins GE Capital Woodchester
GE Capital Woodchester has announced the appointment of an experienced Plant & Transport specialist to their Commercial Equipment Finance (CEF) team.

100 Schmitz curtainsiders bolster Hill HireÕs fleet
A year after it launched the Flexos curtainsider trailer on to the UK market, trailer manufacturer Schmitz has won an order for 100 from Hill Hire Truck and Trailer Rental. The Bradford-based truck and trailer rental company, whose trailer fleet comprises 6,000 ambient bodies, most of which are curtainsiders or box vans.

East Cork Oil choose more Volvo Trucks
A major oil company in Eire has placed an order for a further five Volvo trucks to add to its 80-strong fleet. The two 18-tonne Volvo FL E Models and three 6x4 FM7 trucks will be delivered to East Cork Oil Company over the next few months.

Mobile Column lifts
Biffa Waste Services of Cambuslang in Glasgow have recently taken delivery of their second set of electro-hydraulic mobile column lifts from manufacturer Stertil-Koni.

February 2001

David Price moves to Thermo KingÕs Data Acquisition System for Comprehensive Temperature Management
Wallsend (Newcastle) - based David Price Food Services has recently decided to incorporate Thermo King’s state-of-the-art data recording technology into their temperature controlled fleet and temperature management systems.

Schmitz Aluminium superstructure protects PFB’s image and down time
Extensive use of aluminium and quality after sales service persuaded PFB Self Drive Plc to enhance their existing hire fleet with 10 Schmitz Cargobull UK curtainsider trailers.

MAN TG-A International Truck of the Year 2001
The international jury of leading truck journalists, representing 19 countries in Europe, has elected MAN TG-A the International Truck of the Year 2001.

U.S competition authority gives clearance to AB VolvoÕs acquisition of Renault V.I/Mack
Volvo and Department of Justice have entered into a consent decree which is awaiting approval by US district court in Washington D.C.

Thermo King units for Award-winning fleet
Reading-based Pulleyn Transport, in keeping with their commitment to maintaining the highest standards in equipment, has specified Thermo King multi-temperature refrigeration equipment for the latest additions to its fleet of temperature control trailers.

Hanbury Davies chooses TIP for Container Fleet Replacement
Hanbury Davies Containers Ltd is taking delivery of 45 new Dennison sliding skeletals on lease from TIP. The trailers will be coupled with new Scania 6x2 tractor units, and with their striking livery of Hanbury DaviesÕ distinctive burgundy and yellow corporate colours, are sure to stand out on UK motorways.

January 2001

Irish minister sets the seal on major low-floor bus investment
Mary O’Rourke TD, the Irish Minister for Public Enterprise, was on hand recently at The point in Dublin to personally officiate at the handover of the final batch of new low-floor double deck buses from a total order of 185 this year placed by Dublin Bus - the state-owned Irish bus operator.

PACCAR Financial expands in Europe
PACCAR Inc, the parent company of DAF Trucks of the Netherlands and De Lage Landen International B.V., intend to restructure the activities of their Joint Venture company, DAF Financial Services.

GE Capital Woodchester appoints new Chief Executive Officer
GE Capital Woodchester is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Webb as Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Irish operations.