Statement following Government leaders' meeting with the Irish Road Haulage Association

Statement following Government leaders' meeting with the Irish Road Haulage Association

• From: Department of the Taoiseach

• Published on: 8 April 2026
• Last updated on: 8 April 2026

Government leaders have today met with the Irish Road Haulage Association.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State Seán Canney had a wide-ranging discussion with the IRHA, including the pressures being faced by hauliers due to high costs. This follows on from discussions in recent days between the IRHA and Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Canney.

The leaders confirmed the Government will continue to engage with the IRHA on the impact of the ongoing war on the cost of fuel.

The discussions were constructive and form part of a series of meetings between the industry and Government.

Government acknowledges the central role the haulage industry plays in our trading economy, including the transportation of goods and keeping shelves across the country stocked.

So far, Government has allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure - one of the most substantial packages introduced anywhere in the EU.

This package includes reduced excise on petrol and diesel, a reduction in the NORA levy, and an expanded diesel rebate scheme to provide targeted relief to haulage and bus passenger operators, which is backdated to January. This followed engagement with industry.

Government welcomes news of the ceasefire overnight. We urge sustained dialogue to ensure a permanent end to the war. We note that since the announcement, the price of oil on international markets has reduced.

Government will continue to engage with national representative organisations and keep the situation under review.

On Friday, Minister Martin Heydon and Minister of State Timmy Dooley will meet national representative bodies of contractors and farming organisations.