Longford Live’s article reveals that recent increases in excise rates have added to the industry’s woes, with petrol prices rising by 7 cents per litre and diesel prices increasing by 5 cents per litre. Longford-based transport companies, such as Barry Express, are struggling to make ends meet as they grapple with these escalating costs.
Orla Barry of Barry Express describes the crisis as a “source of fear, desolation, and dread” for cash-strapped companies in the sector.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that this increase in fuel prices is the second of three planned increases, which were introduced to counteract soaring prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In the article, hauliers, like Orla Barry, also criticize government officials, particularly Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, for their unwavering commitment to Ireland’s 2030 climate targets. They argue that these policies are adding unnecessary pressure to an already struggling industry.
Norman Hall, a north Longford haulage boss, echoes these concerns. He manages Hall Transport and tells Longford Live that the fuel price increases will result in an additional annual expense of over €200,000 for his fleet of 44 lorries. Hall also points out that ancillary costs related to the war in Ukraine, such as the difficulty in finding drivers and the skyrocketing prices of items like tyres, are pushing hauliers closer to the brink of financial collapse.
In the face of these mounting challenges, there are growing worries about the future of the transportation industry in Longford. Haulage companies are stretched to their limits, and the shortage of drivers, along with rising expenses, could have severe consequences, including potential shortages of essential goods like food.