The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has today, 12th of May 2015, welcomed the election of a female to the position of President of the IRHA. Ms Verona Murphy of Drumur Transport in Wexford was elected to the position following the Association’s annual conference and AGM in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan.
Ms Murphy, who has vast experience in the licensed road haulage industry, is only the second lady in the IRHA’s 42 year history to be elected to the position of President. The appointment reflects the vital role that women have and continue to fulfil in the licensed road haulage sector in Ireland and it is to be welcomed.
Speaking after her appointment Ms Murphy stated “I am honoured to have been elected as President of the IRHA and to represent the IRHAs members for the coming two years. There are countless women involved in every element of the supply chain and I am delighted that my appointment will highlight that fact”.
Ms Murphy continued “However there are a huge number of pressing issues facing the sector presently and it is therefore important that I, along with the collective IRHA management team, gather momentum as quickly as possible.”
The IRHA lobby for a change in approach to commercial vehicle road tax is still creating considerable hardship for the sector and Ms Murphy intends to ensure that a revised structure is introduced in the forthcoming budget. The new IRHA President stated “The industry continues to haemorrhage jobs to other jurisdictions as a result of excessive operating costs, with road tax at the top of that list, and as a result the situation is unsustainable. Government and in particular Minister Noonan, must honour his commitment made to the IRHA last November of providing an equitable operating environment by overhauling our road tax mechanism. There is a huge air of expectation from members for the forthcoming budget and I would urge Minister Donohoe and Minister Noonan to continue their support of the licensed road haulage sector.”
With Ms Murphy’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the licensed road haulage sector in Ireland, the IRHA and its members can expect to continue the success of its out-going President Mr Eoin Gavin.
ENDS.
For further comment contact IRHA President Ms Verona Murphy on 087 253 2720.