IRHA warned of competition law responsibilities

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has been warned of its responsibilities under competition legislation, by a firm of solicitors acting on behalf of an unnamed container shipping company operating out of Dublin Port, the association has confirmed.

A spokesman for the association says the container shipping company was involved in negotiations with a group of hauliers with regard to fuel surcharges and rate increases, when it abruptly broke off dialogue.

It then instructed its solicitors to write to the IRHA and remind the association of its obligations under competition law. “The IRHA got E300,000 worth of advice because of our freight forwarder and container friends. Cowardly actions like this do nothing to foster relations, between the sectors,” the IRHA spokesman commented.