Transport & Logistics Operators Stay ahead with Industry Experts
Over 80 transport operators, truck suppliers and IRHA members joined leading industry experts in Ferrycarrig Hotel on Thursday 19th November for a South East Transport and Logistics Information Evening entitled ‘All Roads Lead to Success in 2016, in association with AIB Finance & Leasing and Wexford Chamber.
This annual event, sponsored by AIB Finance & Leasing and supported by Stena Line, Wrights Insurance Brokers and Sommers Commercials, brought together all the key players from the South East to focus on the important issues facing transport policy-makers and senior managers in the transport and logistics sector, while also gaining access to a source of knowledge, support and networking.
Kieran Marshall, Head of AIB Finance & Leasing gave a presentation on how AIB Bank & AIB Finance & Leasing are supporting the haulage & transport industry in the South East, one of the key sectors in AIB Business. “We have developed strong long term relationships with key players across this sector and appreciate all business received to date”, said Kieran. “In an industry where innovation, consolidation, cost competitiveness and pricing pressure are ever increasing themes, the Finance & Leasing team is firmly focused on being the bank of choice for this market sector and look forward to supporting customers with any finance requirements they may have now or in the future.”
Guests also heard from Verona Murphy, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), the Government-recognised body that promotes excellence, professionalism and safety in road haulage industry. Welcoming the Government’s support for the haulage sector Ms. Murphy commented, “The changes announced in Budget 2016, via a reduction in road tax, will inject a renewed sense of confidence in the sector to invest and continue to facilitate our export led economy. Our economic recovery was led by exports through haulage and therefore I feel that every business in this sector should be extremely proud.”
An update on major road development projects over the next 12 months, along with various other road improvement schemes was outlined by Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council. Mr. Enright confirmed that the signing of contracts for the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP Scheme took place on 14th October 2015. Construction of the 41km bypass may commence in Spring 2016 with the creation of more than 400 jobs and is expected to take 3 years to complete.
The final presentation of the evening came from John Lynch, General Manager of Rosslare Europort and Ibec Regional President (Southeast) who briefed attendees on the developments in Rosslare Europort. Mr. Lynch commented “An investment of between €40 and €70 million is required to maximise the potential of the Port and address future investment requirements – €40m would deepen the existing berth to facilitate deeper Ro-Ro ships, while €70m would create a multi-purpose berth capable of handling many different types of ship including LoLo Container ships. A market sounding exercise is currently underway to assess market interest in a possible concession for the operation of the port. The results of this exercise are due to be presented to the Board shortly and we are hopeful that a decision will be made in early 2016.”
For more information on this event please email Nessa.M.Devereux@aib.ie or traceymorgan@wexfordchamber.ie