Exporters criticise Iarnrod freight decision

The Irish Exporters’ Association (IEA) has claimed that more than 20,000 trucks will be required every year as a result of Iarnrod Eireann’s decision to close part of its freight operations.

The IEA has estimated that the increased use of Irish roads by heavy goods vehicles would add E29 million per year to road maintenance costs, while adding significantly to Ireland’s C02 emissions.

IEA chief executive John Whelan said the closure of part of Iarnrod Eireann’s freight division was short-sighted and would impact on major exporters’ supply chain effectiveness.

Iarnrod Eireann has refuted the suggestion that thousands of extra trucks would be needed to bridge the gap as a result of its decision to close part of its freight division.