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There is an old saying that “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”. Another is that “you only hear the squeaky wheel”. So what has this got to do with the price of diesel, which is beyond is the €2 mark?

For road transport operators, diesel costs are a main concern at the moment and more particularly how to re-coup that extra cost. So in the current climate it’s hard to concentrate on other problems or issues that are perceived to be urgent, but in reality may be well down the road.

Some empathy for small businesses from politicians, civil servants, mainstream media and pressure groups would be welcome. Yes, we all know about the climate crisis and that all transporters want to play their part in reducing their carbon foot print. In the main they are. The investment in the latest Euro 6 engines has been substantial. While it is difficult to estimate what affect this latest exhaust emissions control technology has had on the climate, it would be good if some of these positive developments were highlighted when the negative stuff is trotted out.

One figure that is not disputed is that it would take twenty to thirty Euro 6D engines to produce the same emissions as one Euro 1 version.

Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) was on Newstalk radio with Pat Kenny recently, explaining some of the simple changes that could be made to reduce carbon emissions.Unnecessary stopping at barriers and traffic hold-ups are just two main contributors to the emissions problem that he mentioned.

Much of the climate change policies are focused on zero emission goals, while the Government targets have allowed for a staged programme to arrive at that point. Media shaming of any sector will have a negative effect on progress. Trucks, buses and aircraft operate to fulfil a consumer demand, so any reduction in activity will have an impact on people’s lifestyle choices. Sun holidays, on-line shopping, leisurely trips may be impacted.

While we are facing an uncertain economic situation at the moment, nobody can honestly predict what the shape of the Irish or world economy will be next year. Residential prices are beyond the reach of most, and the cost of living is starting to have an unsustainable effect on many households. Businesses are finding their costs are going beyond what their customers can pay, while the banks seem to be removing all support in terms of quantitative easing and on interest rates. It looks like a correction is on the cards. How it will affect us is not clear.

In 2008/2009 when the country was facing similar about turn circumstances, there was an element of smugness around as people bought into the concept of a ‘soft landing’. In hindsight that didn’t go so well and there are a lot of individuals and business still recovering from that sort of landing. One of the pluses this time in the event of another “correction” is that personal borrowings are less than fourteen years ago, so the impact on individuals may not be as severe. Of course, there are no promises.

Finally, in going back to the opening comments, for the moment all transport firms are focused on the price of fuel, followed by staff shortages. Climate change and its effects are a distraction and an annoyance at the moment, but can this be changed? Yes, but only with an empathetic and practical approach from the authorities. Self-righteous preaching and regulation without consultation will achieve little. If we are all in it together, then let’s talk together, not preach.

Last month, almost a century of road haulage folklore and experience was laid to rest with the passing of Kitty Collins of Collins Transport, Mallow. A company founded by her father–in-law Dave, Collins Transport expanded and thrived under the management of Kitty and her late husband, Ted. It was a time of change in Ireland, with the rural electrification scheme being rolled out, the country’s industrial base expanding, and agricultural exports growing. Kitty and Ted made good use of these opportunities to expand their business into a thriving concern, with Kitty typifying the kind of quiet woman that formed the cornerstone of many successful family haulage companies.

At her funeral mass, her son Michael described her as “a great all-round woman who could turn her hand to anything, a jack of all trades and master of them all and a lover of animals and nature.” While Kitty was the backbone of Collins Transport for many years, she was also an important member of her local community. Along with her Ted, she was a regular attendee at the annual Irish

Road Haulage Association Conference. Together they enjoyed a long and happy life. Kitty was proud of her husband and everything around her. She always embraced change and kept up to date with all that was happening. After the Brexit Referendum result was announced she knew the potential consequences it held for haulage companies and the implications for drivers. In her lifetime Kitty influenced and helped most of those around her, while she herself witnessed the type of change often only recorded in history books. May she rest in peace.