Septemberoctober2013

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IRISH

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2013 Vol. 16 No. 8

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without the written permission of the author or Lynn Group Media © Copyright Lynn Group Media 2013.

The opinions expressed in Irish Trucker do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, their agents or Irish Trucker. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear.

Contents

www.irishtrucker.com

2 Industry News A look at the most recent trucking & haulage industry news 22 Glen Whelan Bus & Coach Hire K Coach - new town to town commuter service 24 Colas Roadbridge Motorway maintenance services 29

29 J.M.B. Coaches One of the most sought after coach/bus hire companies on this island 32 EVM Custom Vehicle Builders Ireland’s leading vehicle conversion manufacturer

74 Brian Cunningham Transport Recently opened a UK depot

36 Monaghan County Council Director of Services for roads/environment Damien Traynor 41 N&C Enterprises Ltd/Pink Recycling Long established family run business 46 A1 Recovery Specialists One of Northern Ireland’s foremost vehicle breakdown & recovery services 50 Deighan Transport Excellent reputation in distribution & storage 56 Transland Group Comprehensive range of transport & logistics services 60 T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd. Leading breakdown recovery specialist in its area 64 M&A Couriers Ltd. Local, nationwide & UK courier service

82 Fitzpatrick Coaches One of Ireland’s leading coach tour operators 86 Callanan Couriers Excellent reputation with a reliable & affordable service 89 Craven Recovery Services (NI) Ltd. Exceptional 24 hour recovery service 92 DJ McGorman & Son Ltd. Providing an unrivalled service 96 Portlaoise Diesel Injection Ltd. Number one in Ireland 102 Multicrete Precast Concrete Ltd. Award winning family business

Irish Trucker is published by DG Press, Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath

109 Classifieds

68 Kevin Ducie Ltd. Provide a variety of services to their customers

Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926 e mail: contact@lynngroupmedia.com

71 Sligo County Council N4 Collooney/Castlebaldwin upgrade

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78 Mountmellick Service Station Ideal location for truckers to stop & rest

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Tyre trade warned on sale of truck tyre casings Tyre retailers have been warned that it is an offence to sell truck tyre casings to waste collectors that do not have a waste collection permit. The warning comes from the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO), which has warned that retailers, caught selling tyres to operators without a permit, could face hefty fines on conviction.

The warning comes on the back of claims that a number of out-of-state, waste collectors are operating in the Republic of Ireland without the proper waste collection permits.

On the eve of going to press, the Tyre Trade Journal contacted the NWCPO, which confirmed that all waste collectors operating in the Republic, irrespective of where they are headquartered are required by law to hold an Irish waste collection permit.

The NWCPO said: “The Waste Management Act 1996 states that a person shall not collect waste for profit or reward or otherwise in the course of business, unless they have a waste collection permit (Section 34 (1)).”

The NWCPO said there was some confusion over whether truck tyre casings were categorised as a waste, because of their potential for retreading.

A spokesman confirmed that the Permit Office had taken a number of calls from tyre retailers seeking clarification on whether truck tyre casings, were classed as waste or as a recyclable resource.

However, the NWCPO confirmed that truck tyre casings for the purpose of the waste management regulations are regarded as a waste, even though there is a potential for retreading.

“Any tyre that is discarded, or is intended to be discarded, or required to be discarded is a waste. Therefore any tyre that is being replaced on a vehicle and is being discarded by the owner is generally a waste,” the statement confirmed.

The statement continued: “Tyre casings that require processing (remoulding or retreading) to return them to a roadworthy standard are waste and require a waste collection permit to be collected.”

A NWCPO spokesman told the Tyre Trade Journal, that the full list of permitted waste collectors are listed on the www.nwcpo.ie website.

Tyre retailers should insist on getting a copy ofo the collector’s permit, and satisfying themselves that the collector is authorised to collect waste tyres, the spokesman said.

Tyre retailers who sell truck tyre casings to collectors that do not have the requisite permit, are leaving themselves open to prosecutions and hefty fines, according to the NWCPO. The spokesman confirmed: “The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations, 2007 require that any tyre supplier (including retailers) who retain tyres as part of the replacement service transfers those tyres to an authorised waste collector. A failure to do this is an offence under both the Tyre Regulations and the Waste Management Act itself.”

The NWCPO warned that fines as per Section 10 of the Waste management Act allow foro on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding Eu15,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or a fine an imprisonment are applicable.

The spokesman said that responsibility for enforcing the regulations lie with the local authorities. He said: “Where a member of the public is aware of the unauthorised collection of waste they should make a complaint in this regard to the Waste Enforcement Team in the Local Authority where the alleged offence is taking place. Alternatively a complaint can be made through the Environmental Protection Agency, 24 hour environment complaints hotline 1850 365 121.

August goods vehicle sales up by 12% New car sales for August 2013 were 20.6% higher than in the corresponding month last year – and goods vehicles rose by just over 12%. Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the introduction of the new 132 registration continues to be a success, with a 51% rise in new car sales recorded in July. In August 2013, the total number of all vehicles licensed was 12,519 compared with 9,335 in the corresponding month last year – an increase of 34.1%. The total number of all new vehicles licensed during August 2013 was 6,416 compared with 5,341 during the same month in 2012 - an increase of 20.1%. A total of 4,504 new private cars were licensed last month compared to 3,736 in the same month in 2012. The total of used or imported private cars licensed for the first time jumped by over 48% to 4,422 in August, while – most tellingly the number of new goods vehicles licensed in August rose by 12.1% to 1,018. Of the 4,504 new cars licensed in August, 74.2% were diesel and 24.4% were petrol. The most popular makes were Volkswagen (564), Toyota (465), Ford (412) and Hyundai (325).

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 28

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Mercedes-Benz Actros is Ireland’s truck of the decade The Mercedes-Benz Actros has outpaced all of its major rivals to win Ireland’s first ever Truck of the Decade Award.

The prestigious award, sponsored

by RSA Insurance, will be presented at the Fleet Transport Awards dinner being held shortly in Dublin.

This will be the fourth occasion in the last ten years that Actros has stood in the spotlight at Ireland’s Truck of the Year awards ceremony. On three occasions previously, Actros took the rostrum to receive Ireland’s equally coveted Truck of the Year award.

Mercedes-Benz Actros On this occasion, the distinction of being chosen Ireland’s Truck of the Decade is one that MercedesBenz is especially honoured to have. Commenting, their commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady said “we are especially thankful to everyone who voted for Actros. The honour of being chosen to receive the prestigious Fleet Transport ‘Truck of the Decade’ is one that we value greatly.”

In establishing its popularity and merit as Ireland’s ‘Truck of the Decade’ winner, votes were sought from readers, drivers, truck owners and users through a comprehensive use of email and social media and from the many thousands of visitors to the recent Mondello Truck Show at which all leading truck manufacturers were present.

This independent endorsement of the Actros as a fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly, high-spec, long distance truck is reflected in its success on the Irish market where it has proven itself as the ‘truck of choice’ amongst many of the country’s most prominent fleet operators.

Employment recovery now firmly underway IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, has said that new CSO figures, which show a third consecutive quarter of annual employment growth, provide further evidence that the labour market recovery is now firmly underway. The group said it is important that positive trends are not undermined by the upcoming budget, and called on €500 million of planned tax rises to be dropped. Commenting on the CSO's Q2 2013 Quarterly National Household Survey, IBEC Senior Economist Reetta Suonperä said: “All the labour market indicators are now pointing in the right direction. Employment has increased on an annual basis for three consecutive quarters, and unemployment has fallen below the 300,000 mark. “Underneath the headline figures, the more detailed indicators also support this picture of strengthening recovery. Full-time employment recorded the first annual increase since the start of 2008. Fewer people reported themselves to be underemployed, and long-term unemployment, while still high, is down from its peak. “These positive developments are driven by improving trends in the private sector. Irish businesses added 21,400 jobs over the last 12 months, while self-employment was up by 11,500. “Most encouragingly, the recovery appears to be relatively broad based. Employment in tourism and hospitality is up by nearly 10% annually, thanks to strong visitor numbers.

Professional, scientific and technical activities also added to employment. Industry has now reported two consecutive quarters of rising employment. Even the construction sector added jobs for the first time since 2007. “The most recent data on the economy paint a picture of strengthening recovery. However, the situation remains fragile and over the last year we have seen green shoots give way to renewed weakness. “Confidence is the key for a sustained recovery. Budget 2014 is an opportunity for Government to instil confidence among consumers and businesses. Plans to increase tax by €500 million should be dropped."

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Motorway gets go ahead Work on the construction of new motorway between Gort and Tuam in Co Galway is to begin before the end of the year, after funding was approved for the project. The Department of Public Expenditure has approved the allocation of money to cover the Exchequer element of the scheme. The National Roads Authority says it will now re-engage with the preferred private contractor to complete the new N17/ N18 route. The construction of a 57-km motorway - part of the so-called Atlantic Corridor on the west coast - will take thousands of vehicles out of Clarinbridge, Claregalway and Tuam each day. It will be constructed as a Public Private Partnership project. There will be no tolls on the route. Instead the State will pay the private contractors an annuity over 25 years. The NRA says hundreds Construction on new motorway of jobs will be created during the construction process. It is between Gort and Tuam set to begin expected the motorway will take up to three years to complete at a cost of €550 million. An environmental assessment of the proposed route has already been done, along with an archaeological review. In addition, compulsory purchase orders required to develop the road have been completed. The project stalled in 2010 when the bidders first selected as the private contractor were unable to secure funding to carry out the work, due to the economic downturn. The contract was subsequently awarded to Direct Route- a group made up of several contractors including Lagan, Roadbridge and Sisk.

Port of Cork sees increase in trade traffic in 2012 End of Year Statement from Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company The Port of Cork Company today announced end of year trade traffic results for 2012, showing a total of 9.05 million tonnes. This is an increase of 2% compared to 2011 figures and it is the first time traffic figures in the Port have surpassed 9 million tonnes since 2008.

2012 was a very challenging year across many sectors including the Irish port sector with the import of goods through Irish ports reported to have fallen by up to 11%. However, the Port of Cork container volumes has shown an increase of 6% with over 165,000 TEU handled during 2012 and imports, excluding oil, are up by 12%. Imports of animal feed stuffs increased by 58% compared to 2011 while fertiliser, cereals and other trades have shown a marginal decrease in 2012.

Oil traffic remained steady despite the lower levels of domestic economic activity; however exports of refined product from Phillips 66 Whitegate Oil Refinery were strong and continue to be a significant part of the Port of Cork business. Exports are a key driver in the successful recovery of the Irish Economy and the Port of Cork is committed to continuous support in the growth of international trade for the country’s economic prospects and job creation.

Remarking on the end of year trade traffic results, Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said: “The Port of Cork is pleased to announce that our total trade traffic in 2012 remained strong and overall we are starting to see some stabilisation in trade levels in and out of the Port. With 98% of volume of all goods imported or exported from Ireland moved by ship, the importance of ports to our economy is of vital strategic importance. We will continue to look to the sectors that are performing strongly, such as food exports and will seek to capitalise on the demand for such goods from Europe and emerging markets.”

He continued: “The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of Ireland and in particular the entire Munster region. The challenge now facing us in 2013 is to continue to develop the Port in order to meet the needs of the Country as it emerges from this current recession. We will continue to be extremely active in the emerging trends and logistic supply changes to reinforce our existing strength as the primary deepwater port in the south of Ireland and build on our progress to date”.

Port officials are pro-actively engaged with tourism interests, County and City Councils and destination attractions to enhance the product on offer to the visiting cruise lines with a view to growing the business further through its dedicated cruise terminal. 57 cruise vessels visited the Port of Cork during 2012 bringing almost 100,000 passengers and crew to the region and the Port is scheduled to accommodate 64 vessels in 2013. The Port of Cork was awarded two Cruise Insight Awards for ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’ which were announced at the global shipping conference, Seatrade Miami in April 2012. This achievement highlighted the outstanding team effort and commitment by the Port of Cork to deliver an excellent service to the visiting cruise lines and their passengers when in Cork. The Port is delighted to be supporting The Gathering for 2013 and is actively ensuring that all visitors who transit through our facilities receive a warm welcome to Irish shores. Brittany Ferries remained steady on its weekly ferry service from Cork to Roscoff and the Port remains fully committed to establishing new routes and services from Cork.

The Port of Cork’s recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Speeding motorists let off the hook by Garda error A total of 1,306 motorists have had their penalty points revoked and fines repaid because of a Garda error.

According to a recent report in the Irish Independent, speed cameras that caught the motorists at four separate locations in Dublin on seven different occasions were positioned in zones where reduced speed limits applied because of roadworks, the special speed limits set in these areas having been decided upon by Gardai. A special order is required from local authorities to render the new speed limit lawful – and in these cases, the order wasn't granted. With no such order in place, the new speed limits were therefore illegal. Thus, the 1,306 motorists who were cited by speed cameras between January 26th and April 18th of this year have had the penalty points removed from their licences and the fines reimbursed. A motorist caught speeding is subject to payment of a fine of €80, and will have two penalty points imposed upon their licence. If this fine is not paid within 28 days, it is increased to €120.

Therefore, the fines had the potential to generate €104,480 in revenue for the State.

The blunder was noticed during a routine review. The incidents occurred at Coldwinters on the N2 on January 10th, 17th and 28th and at Castleknock on the N3 on January 26th and February 13th as well as on the N3 at Mulhuddart on April 9th and 18th.

New Ford Transit Connect wins ‘International Van of the Year 2014’ · All-new Ford Transit Connect wins “International Van of the Year 2014” award, presented at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow · Ford is first single manufacturer to win the award for two years in a row; wins award for record-equalling fifth time · Jury of 24 journalists awards Transit Connect 130 points from a maximum possible 163; ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Renault Kangoo; praises fuel economy, design, driveability, load-carrying and safety · Ford’s previous “International Van of the Year” winners are: the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007), and Transit Custom (2013) · Transit Connect also available with multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year.

The all-new Ford Transit Connect was today named “International Van of the Year 2014” at the COMTRANS commercial vehicle exhibition in Moscow as Ford became the first single manufacturer to win the award for two consecutive years.

Ford registered a record-equalling fifth “International Van of the Year” victory after the jury of 24 European specialist journalists awarded the Transit Connect 130 points from a maximum possible 163 to put it ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (123) and Renault Kangoo (25).

The award for the all-new Transit Connect follows previous successes for the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003), Transit (2007) and Transit Custom (2013).

“The all-new Transit Connect has moved the game on for compact vans – and we are really proud to win this significant award again,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The new Transit Connect is just as tough and hard-working as all our commercial vehicle range, and comes with smart new looks and much lower fuel bills.”

As Ford completely redesigns its entire commercial vehicle line-up over a two-year period, the stylish new Transit Connect joins an all-new four-strong Transit range, alongside the Transit Custom and the forthcoming 2-tonne Transit and Transit Courier to be launched in 2014.

The Transit Connect offers van operators class-leading fuel economy, load carrying ability and durability, with the ECOnetic model delivering 4.0 l/100 km (70.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km* – a 34 per cent improvement versus the current model. The highly fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine also offers classleading petrol economy.

Available in Van, Double-Cab-in-Van and Kombi bodystyles, the Transit Connect also offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9 m3 and 3.6 m3 with a full bulkhead; maximum payloads of up to 1,000 kg match the best in class figure.

“The all-new Transit Connect impressed the jury on a number of fronts, and above all by the fact Ford has succeeded in building a light van with a strong accent on economics – the vehicle is a good answer to the needs of small operators as well as big fleets to reduce the cost of transport of goods,” said Pieter Wieman, chairman of the “International Van of the Year” jury.

“The loading space offers several innovative aspects such as load-through hatch in the bulkhead, fold-up front passenger seat and a sliding side door in the long-wheelbase model which enables a Europallet to be loaded,” Wieman said. “Ford has also paid a lot of attention to durability and safety, subjecting the van to commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, and being first in its class to offer features like Active City Stop.”

The prestigious “International Van of the Year” award adds to Ford’s already impressive performance over the last two years. The Ford Ranger won the “International Pickup Award 2013”, and Ford’s 1.0litre EcoBoost petrol engine was named “International Engine of the Year” in 2012 and 2013.

“Our teams across Europe are justifiably over the moon with this great news” said Stephen Lesh, Transit Connect chief program engineer.

“The team has worked tirelessly to deliver the perfect vehicle for our hard-working customers, and this is a wonderful day for all those responsible for the Transit Connect across Europe.” The all-new Ford Transit Connect Transit Connect is now available to order for delivery in late 2013.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Dublin city centre set for radical traffic overhaul Radical new plans have been drawn up for Dublin city centre traffic, including the pedestrianisation of Suffolk Street and transforming half of College Green into a public plaza. The National Transport Authority’s draft City Centre Transport Assessment Study was disclosed recently by The Irish Times and it shows plans to transform the movement of traffic in Dublin city centre, including a designated orbital route to cater for through-traffic. The plans recommend pedestrianising Suffolk Street and Church Lane; turning the southern half of College Green into a public plaza; making D’Olier Street and Beresford Place two-way; and removing general car traffic from Westmoreland Street. Other measures would include reconfiguring Christchurch Place as a pedestrian-friendly space, with just one lane of traffic in each direction; turning Westland Row into a public transport-only corridor; and redesigning both Kelly’s Corner and Leonard’s Corner. The draft also proposes a city-centre cycle network, giving cyclists defined routes to navigate the city centre with minimal conflict with other road users. New traffic signal timings would also be introduced so that pedestrians have to wait no loner than 45 seconds to cross busy streets.

Nightline Group to represent Ireland at the 2013/14 European Business Awards The European Business Awards (www.businessawardseurope.com) has announced today that Nightline Group is to represent Ireland as a National Champion in the prestigious 2013/14 Awards programme for the Customer Focus Award. Nightline Group beat off stiff competition to be selected as one of the National Champions from 31 countries that will now compete for Ruban d’Honneur status in the next round of the competition.

The final category Award winners will be unveiled in April 2014.

The esteemed panel of judges were looking for organisations to represent Ireland who exhibited the highest levels of innovation, business excellence and sustainability. The European Business Awards has identified some of Europe’s brightest businesses based on their ability to demonstrate these three core principles at the heart of the Awards programme.

The European Business Awards is dedicated to raising the visibility and John Tuohy, CEO Nightline Group progress of companies who excel in delivering innovation twinned with successful commercial results whilst acting responsibly and positively affecting the social environment they operate in. Last year’s competition saw entries from organisations with a combined turnover greater of over €1 trillion Euros across the 28 EU countries plus emerging nations (8.23% of EU GDP including Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and Kazakhstan). Together these businesses employ over 2.7 million people across the continent.

John Tuohy, CEO, Nightline Group said; “As an indigenous Irish company we are delighted to have been selected to represent Ireland at a European Level in these prestigious awards. The Nightline Group is now over twenty years old and we have worked hard to develop the business so as to offer an unrivalled national and International delivery service to both business customers through our delivery network and online shoppers through Parcel Motel. Given the diverse nature of our business and broad customer base, excellence in customer service is key to our offering, so to be recognised for our customer focus is a testament to the on-going hard work of our employees.

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards commented; “Over the past seven years we’ve received an incredibly high standard of entries from organisations that are passionate about their business. However, very few get the chance to fly the flag for their country and compete across Europe to be recognised as one of Europe’s finest. It really is an exceptional accolade to be picked as a National Champion and together with our sponsors and supporters we’re looking forward to seeing Ireland in the next round.”

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM adds, “Nightline Group and the other National Champions have yet again raised the bar for dynamic, inspiring and quality businesses across Europe. We wish them every success for the next stage of the competition, which this year includes an exciting two-phase video voting round.”

To advance in the competition this year, all National Champions have to submit a video entry for viewing and assessment by a judging panel. In addition, the public will also be able to vote online for their favourite National Champion from each country, these companies become ‘National Public Champions’ and one will go on to be ‘European Public Champion’. Voting begins in November 2013.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Headlight Setter €390

Magnetic Drill €315

20 Ton Puller Kit €875

20mm Plasma Cutter €550

Car Lift €1450

180 amp Inverter Welder €315

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Strong demand for drivers as Christmas looms Manpower has reported strong demand from all type of commercial vehicle drivers as companies gear up for the anticipated Christmas retail sales boom. “We are seeing a particularly strong demand in the coming quarter for all types of drivers but especially for Class 1 and Class 2 drivers,” said Simon Edwards, Manpower Group sector director – logistics. Edwards was commenting on the latest Manpower employment outlook survey for the fourth quarter, which at +2 was marginally down on the third quarter’s +3. “This year, we are noticing that several key clients are looking to take on staff much earlier in anticipation of peak demand, with some wanting staff in place as early as October,” he said. “This is a marked difference even to last year, when companies were leaving it much later to take on staff – sometimes only a week or two before they were needed.

This is for a number of reasons, there is a general feeling in the market that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find good, quality and reliable drivers for the home delivery networks and as this Christmas has all the hallmarks of being the busiest for online shopping, companies do not want to lose out on securing the best staff to cope with the additional demand.” Edwards also noted that: “In support of a recovering construction sector, more and more of our customers are looking for Class 2 lorry loaders, as builders and respective industries pick up. “Separately, industries such as the postal market, courier firms and retailers are looking for Cat B and 7.5T drivers as the boom in home delivery continues.” Looking across all sectors, the national seasonally adjusted net employment outlook of +6 per cent was up from +5 in the third quarter suggesting that 2013 would finish with the strongest fourth quarter since before the financial crisis.

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Leinster haulage firms set to benefit from funding boost Leading asset finance provider Close Brothers Commercial Finance is preparing to provide more funding to Leinster businesses with the appointment of local man, Ger Reddy as Sales Director.

Ger will be based in the Midlands area, covering the counties of Laois, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Offaly and Westmeath.

He will be working with companies to offer bespoke funding solutions so they can access the critical working capital necessary to maintain and expand operations.

Ger graduated with a Financial Services degree from University College Dublin and has over 24 years experience in banking and financial services, including advising local haulage firms in their financial strategy.

He will lead the way in establishing new Ger Reddy, Close Brothers Commercial Finance Sales Director links with local SMEs while consolidating relationships with existing clients. This will include offering dynamic funding solutions based on individual customer needs in addition to expert advice on existing funding packages.

Ger will join the asset finance team at Close Brothers Commercial Finance, headed up

by Adrian Madden, Regional Sales Director.

Adrian said: “Small businesses in Leinster are the backbone of the regional economy yet have been facing strong challenges in the current economic climate. Perhaps most significantly these SMEs struggle to access the finance needed for them to purchase assets or simply retain a healthy cash flow.

“It is precisely these challenges that can prevent local SMEs from reaching their full potential. Ger’s experience will be a great resource to the team, he has worked with local businesses across Ireland for a number of years and is acutely aware of the obstacles they face.”

Ger commented: “I am looking forward to assisting these businesses and raising awareness of the wide range of funding options we have in place to enable SMEs to pursue avenues in consolidation and growth.”

Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a leading independent provider of asset and invoice finance to both SMEs and large businesses, offering a range of products including hire purchase, leasing and refinancing.

For further information on the range of services offered by Close Brothers Commercial Finance please visit www.closecommercialfinance.ie

Tax reprieve for motorists Motorists have been offered a ’phone a friend’ option if they are out of the country as a tax evasion ’loophole’ costing the State €50m a year is closed down. New changes to the law mean that drivers will no longer be able to go into a local garda station and sign a form stating their car has been off the road for several months to avoid paying arrears in tax. The new rules are already in place but drivers have been given until September 30 to either pay arrears or declare to the motor tax office in advance that their vehicle will be off the road. However, some leeway has been granted for people who are out of the country – including those who have emigrated in search of work – or are too ill to visit their nearest garda station to sign paperwork declaring the vehicle off-road before the deadline. The Department of the Environment said those ill or abroad can now nominate in writing a relative or friend to bring the forms to a garda station to be witnessed on their behalf before the end of September.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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LED Taillight from €15.00 Haldex from €65.00

LED Light Bars from €95.00

CCTV kits from €195.00

LED Work Light from €30.00

4, 4.5” & 5” Chrome stac €45.00 LED Markers from €8.00

103 Ashbourne Ind Estate, Ashbourne, Co Meath.

T: 01-8351944. F: 01-8351754. E: sales@davidrees.ie

www.drleweb.com

Haldex modulators from €90.00

LED strobes from €39.00

Brake pads from €45.00

Worklight €14.00

Knorr Air Dryers €150.00

TRUCK PARTS BUSINESS FOR SALE. Long established importer and distributor for commercial vehicle components.

Very successful with strong track record of sales and profit generation.

Serving the haulage industry and commercial garages for the past 25 years,with an all makes truck and trailer programme.

Location 22km from Dublin city centre, adjacent to main routes.

Reason for sale is owner wishes to retire.

Further details and certified turnover available to genuine interested parties.

Bagnall Molloy & Company Chartered Accountants.

Dublin Road, Naas, Co Kildare.

Tel 045 866995.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Flextronics Ireland announces ISO 13485 Certification Flextronics, a global leader in design, manufacture and supply chain solutions, is delighted to announce the successful award of the ISO 13485 certification at its Raheen site in Limerick.

Recognised globally, the ISO 13485 certification is evidence of the company’s commitment to its customers through the high quality of its products and services. The certification also demonstrates the existence of a highly effective quality management system which meets international regulatory, safety and quality concerns specific to the medical device industry.

“We are delighted to be awarded the ISO 13485 certification, which demonstrates our expertise, innovation and commitment to excellence in the medical device sector in Ireland,” said Tom Clancy, General Manager, Supply Chain Solutions, Flextronics leads the way in Ireland in Supply Chain solutions for MedTech Sector. Pictured at the announcement of ISO 13485 Certification for the Flextronics.

Raheen plant, the Flextronics team, led by Tom Clancy General Manager, “The combination of our 20 years of expertise and Flextronics Raheen (centre) and John Carr, Vice President Supply Chain Solutions (right of centre) at the Raheen site, who were involved in the ISO experience, the ISO certification, the recently 13485 certification process. Pic- Darragh McSweeney/Provision awarded Irish Medicines Board Wholesalers Authorisation, and the fact that we were the first company in Ireland to achieve Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, it is clear that Flextronics is ideally positioned as a leading supply chain solutions provider for the medtech and pharma sectors in Ireland, ” he added.

The quality certifications awarded to Flextronics further enable the company to tailor specific solutions to customers in the medtech and pharma industry such as the medical device sector, whilst also enhancing Flextronics’s ability to support customers in regulatory audits from bodies such as the FDA. “Our team in Limerick and Cork have been working within the pharma sector for a number of years, and have developed real insights and expertise in this area. As well as winning a number of key contracts with significant medtech organisations, we are widely acknowledged as the leading supply chain solutions firm to the sector in Ireland,” added Clancy.

Flextronics operates supply chain solutions from multiple sites across Ireland.

For more information, visit www.flextronics.com or call: 061. 480888

Manufacturing on the up

DPP set to prosecute over illegal dump

August saw activity in Irish manufacturing firms improve for the third successive month. Investec's monthly Purchasing Managers' Index rose from 51 in July to 52 in August, with any reading above 50 indicating growth. August’s reading was also the fastest pace of expansion since last November. The increase in activity was led by an improvement in new orders, which grew at their fastest pace in 14 months. Companies reported stronger demand in both domestic and export markets, while some firms said that their marketing efforts had resulted in new business during the month. Employment levels also went up on the back of higher workloads and new product investment.

Having said that, the rate of job creation slowed compared to July. Investec's chief economist Philip O'Sullivan spoke of “a welcome pick-up in activity in the Irish manufacturing sector” and said that the increased employment figures were the highlight of the index’s findings.

The DPP is believed to have recommended a prosecution in relation to alleged illegal dumping on a large site in County Louth. The estimate of the volume of toxic sludge residue from diesel laundering dumped at the site has now been increased to 500 tonnes. This has prompted Louth County Council to tender for specialist contractors to properly dispose of the material. A council spokesperson said: “we have had to tender for suitable qualified contractors to take the waste away. The bulk of it is household waste. This is not a new find.” When the dump was found in August 2011 there were concerns about its proximity to the Cavanhill water treatment plant that serves Dundalk town. The county council said there is no threat to the supply. The spokesperson added that last year the council removed, through contractors, 600 tonnes of toxic diesel sludge and so far this year: “we have had 68 incidents and processed 400 tonnes”. Detectives from Dundalk completed a file for the DPP following an investigation into allegations of illegal dumping. It is understood that the DPP plans to progress its prosecution before the end of the year. The tender document calls for the specialist contractors to remove “unauthorised infilled waste material from a quarry site located in north County Louth under Section 56 of the Waste Management Act 1996 as amended due to concerns of environmental pollution occurring on this site.”

“The source of the hazardous material is believed to be from activities relating to the laundering of marked diesel fuel.” It also refers to some 100 cubic metres of waste liquid which is believed to refer to a pond at the bottom of the quarry. To date all of the costs of recovering, repackaging and disposing of the sludge, which is hazardous waste are paid for by local authorities. This is then recouped from the Department of the Environment.

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Are we being driven to distraction by developments in Automotive Technologies?

Delegates attending the 2013 Automotive Forum, organised by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) and sponsored by Continental Tyres, were given a glimpse of some of the new and emerging automotive technologies that will soon be a key feature of the cars we drive. Just imagine your car communicating with the road infrastructure and other road users to warn you about traffic jams or an accident up ahead; then imagine being able to stream music and video material from the internet through your car’s audio-visual system and being able to consult apps from the dashboard that provide information about restaurants, hotels or shopping options on your drive route.

However, what of the distraction potential for drivers who are facing information overload in this brave new world of motoring?

An audience from motoring, road safety and other sectors came together today at the RDS in Dublin to hear two expert international speakers talk about how car technology is changing the role of the driver and how increasing levels of technology in the car can have a Pictured(l to r): Pim van der Jagt, Head of Research and Development at Ford of Europe; Dr. Natasha Merat, Associate detrimental effect on drivers’ attention levels.

Professor at the University of Leeds-based Institute for Associate Professor at the University of Leeds-based Institute for Transport Studies; Gerry Murphy, Chairman IMWA; and Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres Ireland Transport Studies, Dr. Natasha Merat, who specialises in human machine interface (HMI) and driver behaviour highlighted the results of recent studies that have shown that once a driver’s primary attention is diverted by another information input, whether that be a mobile phone or a piece of technology within the car, the risk of an accident increases significantly.

“Without a doubt, technology has contributed hugely to strides in improving road safety over the last number of decades, but we need to be careful that we don’t undo some of that progress by providing a dangerous level of information overload through the addition of a broad range of ‘attention-grabbing’ technologies inside the car”, said Dr. Merat. “We know that younger, inexperienced drivers are particularly prone to distractions while driving whether they come from in-car distractions or external influences. And for both experienced and inexperienced drivers, the distraction level can increase significantly once other impairments come into play, e.g. when a driver is showing any signs of fatigue”.

“It is important that we realise that the term ‘distraction’ encompasses more than just the ‘usual suspects’ of e.g. mobile phone, changing music on the sound system or mp3 player, and satnavs. Chimes and dashboard displays that warn about low fuel, lane departure warning / brake assist systems and best eco-driving behaviour, can all take their toll on the driver’s attention. The challenge for car makers is to ensure that all of these technologies work together to assist with the driving task, rather than distracting the driver’s attention.” The other keynote speaker was Pim van der Jagt, Managing Director of Ford of Europe’s Research Centre, Aachen, and among his contributions to the Forum he said: “I don’t deny that distractions behind the wheel, however they are caused, either by technology / devices within the car or external influences, can be a serious risk to road safety overall. However, as part of the process of developing new automotive technologies, we are always conscious of how each new development fits into the overall picture of the driver behind the wheel. A sine qua non of all of our research and development activity is that new technology has to contribute to improving the driver experience and consequently, road safety. Any technology that does not pass this test would fall at this first hurdle and would not be developed further for use in cars.”

“It is amazing how blasé we have become about automotive technology, in particular, the fact that now even some of the smallest cars have technologies that up until a couple of years ago could only be enjoyed by a small number of drivers as they were the preserve of the more expensive luxury brands. For example, now popular mainstream cars like the Ford Focus, thanks to Active Park Assist technology, can park themselves into tight parking spots with minimal input from the driver”.

“In terms of new technologies that motorists will see in the near term, we will see the roll out of a range of services based upon a two-way vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system which will enable cars to communicate with each other about driving and traffic conditions. Using a dedicated short-range communications network, the system will also be able to communicate with similarly equipped vehicles that are out of the driver’s line of sight – for example, if a car suddenly performs an emergency stop procedure around a corner, cars coming behind could be informed in good time so that they can adapt their speed before they arrive at the scene. I believe that innovations such as this will be a welcome boost for road safety overall and will certainly help to concentrate the driver’s attention towards immediate dangers”.

“In perhaps 10 to 15 years, in addition to vehicle-to-vehicle communications, there will be a widespread use of vehicle-toinfrastructure (V2I) communication whereby our cars will be able to communicate with the road infrastructure and traffic management systems with the aim of making journeys as smooth and as quick as possible and with the overall aim of reducing emissions and fuel consumption. There is currently an ongoing test project in the US where a 73 mile stretch of highway is equipped with a range of roadside installations that communicate with specially equipped vehicles and this year-long project will provide much valuable data as the system is developed for more widespread use.”

Gerry Murphy, Chairman, Irish Motoring Writers Association, who moderated the Forum discussion, said: “The presentations from our keynote speakers were very interesting and we thank them for bringing the benefit of their expertise to the motoring public in Ireland. To answer the question that was our point of departure for the Forum, I think the driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring he or she manages and limits the distraction potential of technology and any other external influences that would divert their attention from the important task at hand”. Tom Dennigan, of sponsor Continental Tyres, welcomed the forum as “a valuable event that helps to spread knowledge and promote discussion in relation to motoring and its wider implications for our society.

Today’s debate was very much in keeping with that mission.”

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Distribution firms to be affected by takeover Soft drinks brands Lucozade and Ribena has been bought by Japan’s Suntory Beverage & Food in a deal worth more than £1bn. Suntory also owns Orangina Schweppes. Drugs giant Glaxo concluded Lucozade and Ribena would grow faster under a new owner when it kicked off their sale in April. The sale to the Japanese drinks giant would mark the latest highprofile British consumer brands to fall into foreign ownership after Branston Pickle was sold to Japan’s Mizkan last year and KP Nuts and Hula Hoops were bought by Germany’s Intersnack in December. The brands are said to have attracted considerable interest from private equity groups including CVC Capital Partners and KKR, and were also reportedly in the sights of Irn-Bru owner AG Barr. The drinks are largely sold in Western markets and earn annual sales of more than £500 million a year. They are made in the UK at a factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, and are also produced in Nigeria and Kenya. Lucozade and Ribena, which were owned by Beecham prior to its merger with SmithKline, date back to 1927 and the 1930s respectively.

Seatbelts can save children’s lives It has emerged that almost one-quarter of children killed in road accidents in Ireland were not wearing a seatbelt. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), more than 20 deaths of children could have been avoided in the 1997-2012 period had seatbelts been worn. The Authority’s study shows that the number of fatalities of children aged 14 and younger dying has fallen by almost 90% during the 15-year period. The RSA’s figures reveal that 262 children were killed between 1997 and 2012 on our roads, while 1,107 young people were seriously injured. So far this year, four children have died. 43% of the children killed were pedestrians; 42% were passengers; 23 of those who died were not wearing seatbelts.

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Swilly Group secures funding for bus and truck driving courses

Swilly Group delighted to announce 80 FULLY FUNDED training places under Momentum on the Fuel Efficicent Bus Driver and Fuel Efficient Truck Driver courses

Letterkenny based training company the Swilly Group has secured additional Momentum funding for 80 places on their new and innovative driving programmes the Fuel Efficient Bus/Coach Driver and the Fuel Efficient Truck Driver. Both programmes will start in October 2013 and will run in Letterkenny and Dublin. Recruitment for these programmes is currently ongoing.

Momentum is a training fund set up in 2012 by the Irish Government to allow private training providers provide innovative training to the long term unemployed in conjunction with FAS and the Department of Social Protection. In phase 1 of Momentum, which is still ongoing, the Swilly Group has successfully rolled out training courses in Healthcare Support (specialising in Intellectual Disabilities), Computer Networking and Maintenance and Export and Transport Management.

The new Fuel Efficient Truck and Bus/Coach Driver programmes are specifically designed to allow persons who are long term unemployed acquire the skills, knowledge and receive job seeking support to secure employment as a truck or bus driver. The courses syllabus includes Initial Driver CPC training, pre-test driving lessons, RoSPA Advanced Driver Training, Fuel Efficient Driver Training and Job Seeking Support. The Truck Driver course also includes ADR Driver Training and the Bus/Coach Driver course includes Occupational First Aid and Customer Service training. A 12 week work placement module is also included in both programmes.

Swilly Group Managing Director Brian Sweeney said, “We are delighted to secure this additional funding for both the Truck and Bus/Coach Driver programmes”. “We will be starting a Truck and Bus Course in October in both Letterkenny and Dublin”. Brian continues, “The Swilly Group is one of the largest providers of training under Momentum and the Fuel Efficient Truck and Bus/Coach Driver courses are the only driving courses that have been funded under Momentum in the country”.

“Our success has been largely due to the fact that we engaged with local employers during the tendering stage and built the programmes to meet their specific needs”. “Furthermore, each of our courses involves an extended period of work placement, which gives the learner an opportunity to demonstrate to an employer that they can add value to their organisation”.

Persons interested in applying for the Fuel Efficient Bus/Coach Driver course or the Fuel Efficient Truck Driver course can do so by contacting their local Department of Social Protection Office or by calling the Swilly Group office directly on (074) 91 51212.

For more information on any of the Swilly Group Momentum courses, you can call (074) 9151212 or check out the Swilly Group website at www.swillygroup.com/momentum.

16

New Traffic Management Scheme at St. Stephen’s Green to facilitate Luas Works Dublin City Council has announced a new traffic scheme that will make travelling in the St. Stephen’s Green easier. This will result in less disruption when the utility works for Luas Cross City begin in 2014.

The council announced that work which began on the St. Stephen’s Green Traffic Management Scheme on 9th September and expect all work to be completed by late November this year.

The new arrangements will make it easier for public and private transport to travel around St. Stephen’s Green, while also improving access to car parks in the area and reducing the need to use Dawson Street as a through route.

The most significant changes are new right turns at St. Stephen’s Green’s junctions with Harcourt St and Merrion Row. Other improvements will include new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, dublinbikes stations and measures which will improve bus operations around St. Stephen’s Green.

“The scheme will benefit all road users in the St. Stephen’s Green area. It will also minimise any necessary disruptions during the Luas Cross City works and integrate the expanded Luas into the City’s traffic management”, says Michael Phillips, Director of Traffic at Dublin City Council.

“As Luas Cross City work progresses the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council will continue to work closely together to ensure the least disruption to movement around the city” added Gráinne Mackin, Director of Communications, Luas Cross City.

The improvements will be staggered so as to minimise disruptions to local businesses and stakeholders. Some disruptions will occur during the works but the public and businesses will be able to access the area and all car parks throughout the works.

Regular updates will feature on www.dublincity.ie, and on Twitter @DubCityCouncil and @LUASCrossCity.

DublinCityFM (103.2FM) will also carry updates at peak times on its Live Drive show from 7.00am to 10.00am and from 4.00pm to 7.00pm daily, and on Twitter @livedrive

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DHL Express Cork mark Global Volunteer Day by transforming the Marymount University Hospice roof-top garden back to its original beauty · Volunteers roll up their sleeves to give back to the local Cork and Kerry community · DHL Cork team kick start global volunteer days in Ireland as further activities planned in Dublin and Shannon DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, marked Global Volunteer Day 2013 when volunteers from DHL Express Cork renewed and transformed the peaceful roof-top garden for the patients of the Marymount University Hospice in Cork as part of DHL’s drive to give back to the local community.

On Saturday 17th August, over 15 volunteers along with a garden expert pledged their time by gathering on the roof-top of the Hospice so they could remove any moss, dead weeds and plants while raking up leaves from the garden. Volunteers then laid garden membrane down before spreading bark mulch along the soft garden beds. After lunch the volunteers then turned their attention to a vacant ward which the Hospice hopes to open in November this year. It needed a spring clean, so the volunteers dusted and cleaned tables and chairs, and removed bubble wrap and cardboard from new beds in the ward, before organising and laying out the ward.

“What the team in Cork achieved last Saturday was all in the spirit of giving back to the local community, which is exactly what Global Volunteer Day is all about,” said Mike Farrell, Operations Director, DHL Express Ireland and DHL Express team who volunteered at the member of the DHL Marymount University Hospice Express charity committee.

Mr. Farrell added “DHL has a strong corporate social responsibility tradition both locally and globally and over the years has supported many organisations via DHL’s three Living Responsibility programs – GoGreen, GoHelp and GoTeach.”

The Marymount Hospice is situated at Curraheen on the South side of Cork city and offers two distinct services, an elderly care service providing respite care, intermediate palliative care and continuing care for the older person, as well as specialist palliative care services to the region.

“We’re delighted with what the volunteers achieved on Saturday,” said Kevin O’Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of Marymount University Hospice. “The roof-top garden is a place of reflection and relaxation for many patients and their families, and to see its transformation is simply outstanding. The fact the volunteers didn’t stop just because of the rain, and for the reminder of the day concentrated their efforts on the soon-to-be-opened ward, was an added bonus. Thanks to the volunteers from DHL Express Cork, the roof-top garden remains an oasis of natural beauty, and we’re another step closer to opening the second ward.”

Introduced by DHL in Asia Pacific in 2008, Volunteer Day has expanded into the Americas, Middle East, Africa and Europe over the years, and continues to build on its success by involving more employees than ever before. In 2012, the initiative was rolled out globally with tremendous success – 62,000 DHL volunteers in about 120 countries and territories participated in more than 1,000 community programs.

Ireland has tenth most-expensive diesel in the world Ireland sits in joint-tenth place on the list of the world’s most expensive nations to buy diesel. Ireland and Germany are tied in tenth spot on the list, with an average diesel price per litre of 126p (€1.48). The percentage of monthly income spent on diesel in Ireland is estimated at 7% (and is obviously way higher for those working in transport!). Nine of the ten dearest places on the planet to purchase diesel are in Europe, the majority of them being in Scandinavia. More expensive than Ireland are - in reverse order - Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Israel, the UK (fourth!), Turkey and Italy, with Norway top (or should that be bottom?) of the pile at a whopping 150p (€1.77) per litre. The survey was carried out by This is Money and Looking4Parking.com.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Volvo FH wins ’International Truck of the Year 2014’ A year, almost to the day, after its spectacular launch, the new Volvo FH was voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2014’ by leading commercial vehicle journalists, representing 25 magazines throughout Europe. The ‘Truck of the Year' award was received by Volvo Trucks' President Claes Nilsson at a ceremony at the Comtrans exhibition in Moscow. Summing up the jury vote, International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: "Volvo Trucks has delivered a completely new heavy-duty truck, which, with its innovative cab, hi-tech driveline components and advanced maintenance solutions, sets a new benchmark in the automotive industry."

State-of-the-art premium truck This is the third time that the Volvo FH has won the ‘International Truck of the Year' award, as it also won in 1994 and 2000. "We are honoured and happy," says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks. "When we introduced the new FH in September 2012, we claimed that it was pushing the envelope of what a premium truck could offer.

The ‘International Truck of the Year' award confirms that the Volvo FH lives up to this promise." The all-new Volvo FH is a truck built with the driver in mind and the focus on improving the haulage firm's profitability. It boasts important innovations in all crucial areas: fuel economy, ergonomics, handling, active and passive safety, and time-saving features.

The new Volvo FH in a nutshell The truck is available with a range of 13- and 16-litre Euro6 engines.

The I-See technology can save up to five per cent fuel. ISee uses electronically recorded information about the topography of the roads to automatically optimise gear shifting, speed and auxiliary braking.

The handling is superior thanks to an improved chassis and the option to choose individual front suspension.

The driving position is better and offers greater flexibility.

For instance, the steering wheel now has a neck tilt function, a world-first in the truck world.

The driver has a better view of the road, not least owing to the increase in the usable window area in the cab and the innovative rear-view mirror design.

More upright A-pillars add one cubic metre of interior space. This gives 300 litres of on-board extra storage capacity and greater on-board comfort.

Volvo Trucks offers maximum uptime with the new FH. This promise is based on new technology for remotely monitoring component wear and overall vehicle condition.

Boosts profitability for the owner "The new Volvo FH increases the haulage firm's profitability in many different ways," says Claes Nilsson, concluding: "And giving your drivers the opportunity to work in the ‘International Truck of The Year' is, of course, an extra bonus."

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

RSA launch consultation process for Group 2 licensed category drivers The Road Safety Authority (RSA) together with the National Programme Office for Traffic Medicine, a joint initiative between the RSA and Royal College of Physicians of Ireland launched a public consultation process for Group 2 licensed category drivers (bus and truck drivers) and their representative associations. This process, which will close on Monday, 30 September 2013, allows these individuals and associations to give feedback on the draft standards for Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines for Group 2, due to be published by the RSA in January 2014.

The guidelines for Group 2 drivers were preceded by guidelines for Group 1 drivers (car and motor cycle drivers) in Sláinte agus Tiomáint, published in January 2013. These guidelines will replace the existing guidelines for Group 2 drivers issued by the RSA in 2010 in Medical Aspects of Driver Licensing.

The 2014 Group 1 and Group 2 Guidelines are to be published as a single document that will be updated annually to guide doctors in their assessment of drivers with medical conditions which may affect their driving. The standards contained in the Guidelines are based on best practice and guide doctors on the standards set out in European Directives and regulations made in Ireland under the Road Traffic Acts.

All Group 2 drivers must submit a medical report with their application for a driving licence, whether a first time, renewal or exchange application. The vehicles in Group 2 are regarded as higher-risk vehicles which require a higher standard of physical and mental fitness on the part of the driver Group 2 category drivers are required to prove their fitness to drive at application or renewal or during their licence period, should their health deteriorate or change in a way that would impact on their ability to drive safely. The Road Safety Authority ask all drivers to self declare certain existing medical conditions when completing a driver licence application, renewal or exchange form. Group 2 drivers need to also submit a Medical Report (D501) with these forms, to be completed by their doctor with each application/renewal.

The maximum licensing period for a Group 2 driver is for five years.

Professor Des O’Neill, Director, National Programme Office for Traffic Medicine said; “These guidelines will build on current best practice, and for most drivers will present little change. However, they will also provide better guidance for the general public and the medical profession, as well as reassurance that the risk of crashes due to medical conditions will be minimised while preserving mobility to the greatest extent possible.”

Mr. Michael Rowland, Acting CEO, Road Safety Authority said, “While many factors contribute to road safety, a driver’s health is an important consideration. Medical standards for driver licensing are developed internationally to ensure that the driver’s health status does not increase their crash risk.

The aim of the guidelines is to maximise mobility in a way that is compatible with promoting road safety and ensuring medical fitness to drive.”

For further information on Group 2 category drivers and on the consultation please log onto www.rsa.ie.

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2013 TRACS annual report shows attitude change in the tyre industry TRACS is Ireland’s leading tyre monitoring and compliance scheme.

The 2013 TRACS annual report shows that membership of TRACS has increased dramatically since 2011, growing from 204 members to a current total of 511 members. This represents a 150% increase in two years and breaks down into retailers (416), importers (69) and collectors (26), some of whom have multiple sites as part of their business. The total number of sites registered with TRACS has also more than doubled from 300 to 680, an increase of 127%.

The report states that approximately 3 million tyres were imported intoIrelandfor supply in 2012, mostly car tyres. TRACS accounted for 3 in every 4 tyres imported. Furthermore, TRACS also accounted for 9 in every 10 waste tyres collected and treated either in this country or abroad. Retail members account for about 59% of tyres directly fitted onto vehicles, a lower proportion given the increasingly fluid and fragmented market place: this is because there are more, and smaller, retailers fitting a varied of new and part-worn tyres.

The waste is managed in mainly two equal ways. Almost 45% of used tyres were recycled into granulate, such as crumbed rubber which can go on to form products commonly seen in playgrounds and running tracks, while 42% were recovered as fuel, such as that used in cement kilns abroad as a replacement for fossil fuels. The remaining 13% included various uses, such as anchors for silage pit covers.

In this regime, and under the current Regulations, ownership of the waste remains with the waste holders; which is the retailer. Current enforcement of waste management practices is an on-going task for the local authorities, not only regarding the environmentally sound management of waste tyres by permitted waste collectors, but also on the retailers who are only allowed to stored a certain quantity of waste on their premises. However, inEuropethe prevailing model is for importers and manufacturers to take ownership and direct responsibility for their products when they become waste, via the collection and treatment of waste tyres through the non-profit collective scheme. This is one of the options being considered for the future.

According to TRACS director Fiacra Quinn, “TRACS is making steady and continuous progress in convincing new tyre industry players, many of them small operators to put the proper channelling of their waste tyres at the centre of their business model. We have been attempting to communicate the message of what happens to a waste tyre to both the trade and the public and have been asking people to think about what happens to the waste. We have occasionally had to revoke memberships in the odd instance where the retailer cannot show where they sourced the tyres or what they did with the waste.”

TRACS is fully committed to challenging and changing industry behaviour for the better and calls on any still unregistered collectors of waste tyres to sign up with TRACS and to deal with their waste in an ethical and responsible manner. TRACS also urges all retailers to deal ONLY with registered and authorised waste collectors and to look for a RECOVERY CERTIFICATE as proof of authenticity.

More information including a full list of importers, manufacturers, retailers and waste collectors in Irelandwho have registered with TRACS is available on the TRACS website. www.tracs.ie

20

New Kormoran tyre range rolls into the market Kormoran is expanding its latest range of commercial vehicle tyres to include three new tread patterns available exclusively from Michelin Truck Professional (MTP) dealerships in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

This introduction of these new steer and drive pattern tyres marks the most significant Kormoran product launch for nearly a decade and replaces a previous generation of tyre which has been on sale for ten years. The new tyres are designed for use on road and are suitable for all lengths of journey, featuring an optimised contact patch for excellent mileage potential.

The new range includes a 225/75 R 17.5 for medium weight rigid trucks and midi-coaches, and the 295/80 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 for heavy trucks and coaches.

Manufactured in European plants, Kormoran products give operators the confidence of being able to buy mid-range tyres, safe in the knowledge that they meet the quality standards expected by professional road transport fleets.

Both the 225/75 and 315/80 steer tyres are categorised B in wet braking according to European tyre labelling regulation, whilst the 295/80 steer fitment, along with all three drive axle sizes are rated C. Adding to the excellent braking capability of these tyres is the M+S (Mud + Snow) rating of all of the drive tyres, whilst the larger 295/80 and 315/80 drive tyres feature the new Three Peaks Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall – a further indication of their traction qualities when driving on snow.

Since Kormoran tyres are available exclusively in the UK and Ireland through the MTP network, operators can be assured their tyres will be fitted by skilled staff from approved service providers. Members of the MTP network are audited annually to ensure equipment, training, reporting and customer service meets Michelin’s high standards – and on passing the accreditation dealers earn the status as a Michelin Certified Centre.

Richard Bezzant, MTP Programme Development Manager, said: “Kormoran tyres are designed to be robust, reliable, regroovable and retreadable, giving operators a costeffective tyre solution they can be confident in.

The full range of Kormoran tyres is widely available across our 110 MTP service locations.”

The three new sizes join the 235/75 R 17.5 and 285/70 R 19.5 versions of the same Kormoran tyre, which were introduced during 2012.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Wheelcare Ltd. to distribute Ken-Tool products in Ireland and Europe Ken-Tool, the leader in tire servicing hand tools and equipment, has announced that Dublin, Ireland-based Wheelcare, Ltd. has become a Ken-Tool distributor for its wheel and tire service bay customers. Wheelcare Ltd. has nearly 30 years of service to the Irish tire service industry, and extends its reach into the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and other countries.

Killian McNabb, Managing Director of Wheelcare said, “We have always viewed Ken-Tool and its product line with the highest regard.

When the opportunity came to become a distributor, we took it, straighaway. The biggest factor that influenced us choosing to distribute Ken-Tool products was innovation. Ken-Tool has always led the way in solving the problems facing tyre technicians and fitters around the world. This innovation, coupled with extremely high quality manufacturing makes the Ken-Tool range top class. “We at Wheelcare see the Ken-Tool range as a perfect fit for the Irish and European markets. With very Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo few tyre retailers wanting to spend large sums of money on tyre changing machines, Varadkar TD has welcomed the official the Ken-Tool range provides an inexpensive, safe and fast way to change opening of the N22/N69 Tralee Bypass. The commercial and agri tyres in all environments.” new scheme is 13.5km in length and consists Rock Tyson, Ken-Tool’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing noted, “We are of dual and single carriageway sections. Work extremely pleased to have a distributor of the caliber of Wheelcare Ltd. joining us as began on the scheme in 2011 and the budget a distribution partner. We feel there is a very good fit between the two companies, was €97m. Speaking at the official opening, and Wheelcare’s strong presence in the European tire service market should help Minister Varadkar said: “I am very pleased to many tire service centres improve their in-shop safety and productivity.” see the official opening of the new N22/N69 Tralee Bypass. I recall visiting Tralee on a Ken-Tool products are available through leading tire industry supply distributors very wet day in August 2011 to turn the sod on worldwide. For more information about Ken-Tool and its line of professional tirethis scheme. In economically straightened changing tools, visit www.kentool.com times when our national roads investment programme has had to be significantly scaled back, I am very pleased that this scheme has come to fruition.” A key benefit of the N22/N60 scheme is the improvement of access to Tralee Town whilst removing bypassing The safety belt doubles the chances of survival in a serious road accident. national traffic from the centre. It has been Nonetheless, half of all truck drivers choose not to use their safety belts. That is predicted that the reduction will bring something that Volvo Trucks wants to change. "If more road users wore their significant safety benefits to motorists and safety belts, more than 7,000 lives would be saved every year in the EU alone. vulnerable road users alike with a 14% Professional drivers should serve here as an example," says Carl Johan reduction in accidents. Road users will see an Almqvist, Traffic & Product Safety Director Volvo Trucks. average end-to-end reduction in journey times Twice the likelihood of surviving with a safety belt of 73%, in comparison with the previous route.

The chances of surviving a serious road accident are doubled if the driver or In practical terms, this means shaving passenger uses a safety belt. This can be seen, for instance, in the most recent approximately 12 minutes off journey times for World Health Organisation (WHO) report entitled ‘Global Status Report on Road ‘through’ traffic in Tralee at peak times.

Safety 2013'. The report emphasises increased belt usage as one of the most Minister Varadkar continued: “Separating local crucial issues for improving traffic safety. Today there is legislation requiring traffic from through traffic has been among the principal benefits of the development of the safety belt usage in 111 countries the world over and, as of 2006, compulsory national roads network for the past number of belt use has been required in the EU for both cars and trucks. "In recent years years. Removing bottlenecks in our towns and belt usage has increased among truck drivers, but even so, fewer than half use cities not only brings benefits in terms of safety the safety belt. And that's despite the fact that both our own and other European and journey times, it also reaps benefits for our research has revealed that at least 50 per cent of truck drivers who lost their economy. For example, by improving lives in traffic would have survived if they had been belted in. Of all truck drivers efficiency in goods movement, lowering involved in fatal accidents, only five per cent were wearing their safety belts," overheads as a result of time saved and says Carl Johan Almqvist. providing a welcome extra boost to New survey of 700 truck drivers competitiveness.” Minister Varadkar A recent survey conducted by Sweden's National Society for Road Safety concluded: “In the year of The Gathering, this (NTF), based on observations of more than 700 truck drivers and interviews new Bypass will also play a key role in with more than 200 of them between 2011 and 2013, confirms this picture. Most improving access to the major tourist said they used safety belts when driving a car, but only half did so behind the attractions associated with County Kerry. wheel of their truck. Among the reasons given were that it is difficult, Efficiencies in our road networks not only inconvenient or time-consuming to put on and take off the belt. "Bearing in mind enhance access to attractions such as the that the safety belt can spell the difference between life and death, these are Ring of Kerry and Dingle but they can also not particularly credible excuses. At Volvo Trucks we invest considerable positively impact on visitor’s experience of resources in the development of accident-prevention systems, but as long as Ireland. Already this year, the CSO has the human factor plays such a big role it will never be possible to entirely reported a 5.4% increase in overseas visitors eliminate the risk of road accidents," continued Carl Johan Almqvist, adding "I to Ireland in the first six months of 2013. would therefore encourage both haulage firms and drivers to do what they can Hopefully this trend will continue and this new to improve safety. The simplest measure of all is naturally to use the single road will help to make Kerry’s attractions more most important safety feature on board - the safety belt." popular than ever.”

Varadkar welcomes opening of €97m Tralee Bypass

Study says only half of truck drivers wear a safety belt

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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KCoach is launched in Kildare Glen Whelan Bus & Coach Hire (also trading as Glen Whelan Travel) has added another string to its bow with the launch of its new town-to-town commuter service, KCoach, in Co. Kildare. stablished in Monasterevin eight years ago by local man Glen Whelan, the company also specialises in concert travel and private hire. But affable bus operator Glen has been channelling much of his energies recently into the launch of KCoach, which offers a cheap and convenient way to travel within Co. Kildare.

The service was launched on July 1 last and has proven to be an instant hit with the people of the Shortgrass County.

“The early signs are very encouraging,” he enthuses.

“I’m delighted with the response we’ve had so far. It has surpassed all expectations. The feedback from the public has been very positive. We cover a large part of Co. Kildare and are the only bus company that serves Naas General Hospital. For as little as €2, people can now get to and from the hospital by bus, which I think is fantastic value for money. We won’t be beaten on service or price.”

The new town-to-town commuter service runs daily between Monasterevin,

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CONTACT DETAILS

22

Glen Whelan has been in business for eight years

Kildare town, Newbridge and Naas. So whether your journey is for work, shopping, hospital appointments or for leisure activities in the Kildare area, you can rely on KCoach to get you there. Timetables are available on the company w e b s i t e , www.glenwhelantravel.com Securing a permanent bus stop at Naas General Hospital was crucial to Glen

starting the commuter service.

“We had to cut through a lot of red tape to get that bus stop,” he remembers.

“It was worth it in the end because we are now able to provide a service which hadn’t been there before for hundreds of people, many of whom are elderly and had no way of getting to and from the hospital. It’s the first time

Naas General Hospital has had a bus stop, and we’re delighted to be able to provide what I believe is a very valuable service to the people of Kildare.”

Glen is proud to be able to offer a town-to-town commuter service in his own county. He also takes satisfaction from knowing his business is giving something back to the local economy.

Glen Whelan Bus & Coach Hire (incorporating Glen Whelan Travel and KCoach) Kildangan, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare Telephone: 045 523600 Email: glenwhelancoachhire@eircom.net Website: www.glenwhelantravel.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

kcoach designed_Layout 1 19/09/2013 10:35 Page 2

“I’m the only Kildare man born and bred to operate a commuter bus service within my county, and that’s something I’m extremely proud of,” he says.

“Of the €2 fare we charge, €1 of that goes straight back into the local economy when things like employment and diesel is taken into account.

All are spending is done locally. We are a Kildare company through and through, and are proud to support local jobs and the economy.”

Glen Whelan Bus & Coach Hire is a family-run business offering friendly, professional and safe coach hire. When Glen set up the business, he initially carried out local school runs before deciding to concentrate on concert travel five years ago. That’s when Glen Whelan Travel was born.

Glen’s concert bus provides passengers with a safe and hassle-free way to travel to and from concerts and events. It covers the O2,

Aviva Stadium, RDS, Croke Park, Slane Castle and many more festivals and events. To book tickets, simply click on the Concert Booking Request form on the company’s website, and he will contact you with confirmation and send you an invoice so you can pay securely via PayPal. “Our concert travel service has gone from strength to strength,” he enthuses.

“We cut out the hassle of driving and parking for concert-goers by leaving them outside the venue and picking them afterwards.

hire service for all of the country and cater for groups of all sizes and needs.

The company caters for all events, including tours and outings, parties, sporting evenings, airport and ferry transfers. Glen and his team take the hassle out of all your travel requirements and provide a high level of service at very competitive rates.

Glen currently has four buses on the KCoach offers a cheap and convenient way to travel in Co. Kildare road, ranging from minibus to coaches.

Most people go to concerts to He operates two Volvo, one enjoy themselves. When they Iveco and one Mercedes travel with us, they can let Sprinter. All are immaculately their hair down and have a turned out, comply with all good time, and be safe in the health and safety regulations knowledge that they will get and are wheelchair to and from the concert safely accessible. and comfortably.

“We are getting by with four “In addition, we now operate buses at the moment, but we an online payment system plan to double our fleet-size which is safer for both the to eight in the not too distant drivers and passengers in future. We also plan to that they don’t have to deal change the fleet colour from with cash.” white to red. We employ four Although based in Kildare, local drivers who are very Glen Whelan Bus & Coach good at what they do.”

Hire can provide a private

Glen Whelan Bus & Coach Hire provides a friendly, professional and luxury service

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Maintenance is vital on motorways

Colas Roadbridge maintaining motorways The National Roads Authority (NRA) recently announced national motorway maintenance services for 744km of motorway and dual carriageway, 256km of which will be managed by the Colas Roadbridge Joint Venture.

24

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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M6, M7, M18, N19, M20 and N85. As part of the new national motorway maintenance service programme for all three Networks, which will generate 200 jobs from service providers and suppliers, purpose-built maintenance depots have been established by the NRA at different locations around the country. Colas Roadbridge operates from depots in Nenagh, Ennis and Athlone, while a fourth in Kinnegad – which will service the M4 and M6 – is due to open shortly.

Two of these depots – Ennis and Kinnegad – contain storage facilities for 27,000 tonnes of salt which can be efficiently dispersed around the country to augment the supplies held by individual local authorities in emergency situations.

“We tendered for the contract last year and were delighted to be one of the companies chosen by the NRA,” Colas Roadbridge Operations and Maintenance Manager Liam Preston says.

“We were awarded the contract to maintain some of the busiest motorways in Ireland. Colas Roadbridge is an alliance of three successful companies with extensive experience in road building and road maintenance.

The combination of our existing

his motorway maintenance company consists of three major construction names, the Irish companies Colas Teoranta and Roadbridge and the UKbased Colas Ltd. Both of the Colas companies are part of the international Colas Group which employs over 74,000 people worldwide.

Colas Roadbridge is responsible for Network B which involves maintaining motorways and dual carriageways in the Midlands and West, including parts of the M4,

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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WISHING CONTINUED SUCCESS TO COLAS ROADBRIDGE FROM Chris Lynch Skip Hire & Waste Management Services Zone C, Mullingar Business Park, Co. Westmeath

Recycling Made Easy!

Tel: 044 9339544 E: clskiphire@gmail.com www.skippybag.ie

“Whatever you require we Hire”

www.clhire.ie

We offer our customers everything from drilling equipment to excavation machines Walshestown South, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9340678 or 044 9347703 | Fax: 044 9341745 | Email: sales@clhire.ie

Best Wishes To Colas Roadbridge, From

Best Wishes To Colas Roadbridge From

TYRE IMPORTER & DISTRIBUTOR DOCK ROAD, Limerick.

Tel: 061-227088 Fax: 061-227461 E: mwtaccounts@eircom.net

RAHEEN, Limerick Telephone: 061- 300240

SHANNON, Clare

Westwood Trailers, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Tel: 045 876053 | www.westwoodtrailers.com

Best Wishes To Colas Roadbridge, From

Telephone: 061 - 364848

FENCE - SCAPE LTD.

SUPPLIERS OF ALL LEADING MAKES OF TYRES AND BATTERIES

(Oliver Scally) MOTORWAY LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

SPECIALISTS IN TYRES | BATTERIES | EXHAUSTS 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT BALANCING

Grass Cutting | Barrier Mowing | Hedge Cutting Weed Control | Road Sweeping | Tree & Shrub Maintenance Frenchdrain Rejuvenation | Litter Picking Fencing & Fence Repair All Services Provided with Traffic Management to Chapter 8 Specifications

Specializing In

Brittas, Monilea, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath T: 044 9372222 F: 044 9372484 M: 086 2507501

Best Wishes To Colas Roadbridge, From

Country Tool Hire & Hardware Ltd

Best Wishes To Colas Roadbridge From All At

We hire all types of Plant & Machinery Diggers | Dumpers | Rollers Hoists & Small Tools Also specialising in Hardware Plumbing | Building Materials | Timber & Paint etc Unit 3, Moate Business Park, Clara Rd., Moate, Co. Westmeath T: 09064 81870 F: 09064 82446 E: countrytoolhire@gmail.com

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www.romaquip.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

roadbridge designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 12:15 Page 4

presence across Ireland, together with our local supply chain partnerships, and our global experience of highway maintenance made us particularly suitable for this Contract.”

The maintenance services provided by Colas Roadbridge include: undertaking routine inspections and maintenance of the asset, including pavement, drainage, structures, bridges, signage and safety barriers; responding to incidents on the network, including emergencies and repairs to damaged sections of network; provide severe weather response and winter service; collect and manage asset data within the inventory management system; undertake improvement, rehabilitation

and renewal works.

“The contract has already resulted in employment and this is likely to increase as the contract develops.

In addition, we have invested in a new fleet of works and response vehicles and trucks.

We will soon be taking delivery of our winter fleet, including gritters and snow

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ploughs, all of which have been manufactured by an Irish company” “Now that the motorway network is complete, it has to be maintained and that’s exactly what we will be doing in our part of the Network.”

Liam continues.

Roadbridge, Colas Ltd and Colas Teoranta are three

highly reputable road construction and maintenance companies.

Founded in 1967 in Limerick, Roadbridge is a leader in civil engineering and has the experience, capability and a proven track record in delivering major projects across a range of sectors on time and on budget.

Colas Roadbridge operates three depots on Network B

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Work on the M18

Operating in Ireland as well as in the UK, Poland, South Pacific and the Middle East, the company has completed major projects to the highest standards of quality for clients in the transport, renewables and energy utilities, commercial, industrial, waste management and leisure sectors.

Roadbridge’s client base is everexpanding and the company prides itself in maintaining strong customer relationships and

ensuring client and end-user satisfaction.

Colas Ltd is an ambitious, award-winning company, delivering sustainable solutions for the design, building and maintenance of the UK’s transport infrastructure. The company has unrivalled expertise based not only on its long history, but also on the strength it derives from being part of the world-leading International Colas Group.

The Group, which was formed in France in the 1920s, has excellent R&D facilities which give Colas Ltd access to innovative new products, processes and ideas.

Road construction makes up 80 per cent of the Colas Group’s activities. Additional related activities include road signage, construction, various civil engineering activities, including pipelaying, and rail track construction and maintenance Colas Teoranta’s links with Cold Chon in Galway and Colfix in Dublin testifies to an involvement in roads maintenance in this country which stretches back to the late 1920s. The company which has depots in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Sligo and Belfast has collaborated with governmental bodies and local authorities in bringing a plethora of innovations to Irish roads most notably in the area of bituminous binders and surfacing products and processes .

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Colas Roadbridge, From

Nenagh Plant Hire & Hardware Ltd Old Birr Road., Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Tel: 067 34333 | Fax: 067 34345

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J.M.B. Coaches have a fleet of 18 coaches and minibuses

ne doesn’t have to look too far to discover the secret behind JMB Coaches’ ongoing success. Not only does founder Edwin Henry oversee one of the finest coach / minibus fleets on the island – all of which are

O

operated by professional, skilled and highly-trained drivers, providing a wide range of solutions – but he has also successfully headhunted and assembled one of the strongest management teams working anywhere in Northern Ireland.

With professionalism and excellence permeating every fibre of the company, from top to bottom, JMB Coaches prides itself on providing a high-quality service that is, quite simply, second to none.

While this is a humble story, it proves that if you do things

right – in any line of work – then you won’t go too far wrong. JMB have always done things properly since day one and that’s why, today, they continue to thrive and expand.

A premium coach hire company operating out of

Luxury as standard Within the space of eight short years, Edwin Henry has developed JMB Coaches into one of the most sought-after coach / bus hire companies on this island. We popped into the County Tyrone head depot and gained an insight into the history, current wellbeing and future plans of the operation from its affable founder.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

JMB Coaches 2-4 Tulnacross Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9NH Email: info@jmbcoaches.com http://www.jmbcoaches.com

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Cookstown, County Tyrone, JMB Coaches has, since its genesis in 2005, forged a stellar reputation for itself by providing an unrivalled service, with comfort and reliability very much to the fore.

With a fleet of 18 coaches / minibuses, JMB is still growing and has a presence throughout Ireland as well as in the UK and Europe. Official transport provider for Graham Tours, Enniskillen and Huttons Special Interest Tours, Armagh, JMB Coaches also provides an exceptional coach hire service across mid-Ulster and Northern Ireland, catering for corporate hire, private hire, educational tours, sporting events and festivals.

They specialise in educational trips and can accommodate a tour to any attraction anywhere in Ireland, the UK or Europe, including theatres, museums, football grounds, galleries, historic sites, theme parks, zoos etc.

Clients can choose from an extensive fleet of vehicles, including wheelchair accessible, executive and platinum coaches.

All vehicles are maintained to an exceptional standard and undergo regular maintenance and inspections, while the team of highly-skilled, friendly, enthusiastic and motivated drivers undertake regular driver training courses to meet the highest possible

30

Edwin Henry, Adrain McKibbin and David Millar

David Millar

Adrain McKibbin at the wheel

standards.

Whether it be for airport trips, group outings, shopping excursions, educational or business trips, JMB Coaches have a vehicle to suit every requirement, catering for every need and budget from 16-seater minibuses right up to 70-seater coaches, all of which are modern, comfortable and boast the latest safety features to make travelling as safe as possible.

Comfort is a given. For example, the company’s 48 / 53-seater executive coaches feature reclining seats and arm rests, reading lights, seat belts, tinted windows, air conditioning, public address, courier seat, curtains and carpet, air suspension, radio / CD player, TV / DVD player and toilet.

Reflecting on how he came to establish JMB Coaches, Edwin notes: “I worked previously for JMB Tours for three years, first as a driver

and then managing the company before they were sold to Chambers Coach Hire. As I had worked for Chambers before, I didn’t want to take a step backwards. As the coach name that worked with JMB Tours had always been mine, – I had a coach and held the licence but we operated under the JMB Tours umbrella – I was able to call my company JMB Coaches Ltd. “The choice I was faced with at the time was to either sell the coach or continue down the road I had started. I decided to keep going on my own and brought the coach to my own yard in Cookstown, where we already rented commercial premises. I’ve been in business all my life and already had everything in place. The unit was easily adapted into what we needed to run a coach hire company.”

Edwin rented coaches for a

The fleet is expanding yearly

couple of years until he was generating a substantial enough turnover to justify investing in a coach of his own. In 2007, he purchased his first coach, second-hand; today, he oversees a large and versatile fleet of 18 buses / coaches, including two fantastic 49-seater Scanias which were purchased brand new in 2011 and 2012. Two more are on the way in 2014!

All the ingredients are in place to ensure that JMB Coaches continues to go from strength to strength: equity, a great fleet, ideal premises and exceptional personnel. “We have a top management team with expertise in all the key areas of running a business and we work hard on our public image. Our drivers, who are in the frontline, dress and behave impeccably and each bus is washed every time it comes in off the road. This is the sort of painstaking attention to detail you have to persevere with; you can’t allow your standards to drop.”

Since setting JMB Coaches up eight years ago, Edwin has managed to hold onto all of his original customers while picking up a lot more along the way. He is still the principle driver and his work with Graham Tours and Huttons Tours regularly takes him as far afield as Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium and France.

In terms of personnel, JMB Coaches holds a winning

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hand. “I have excellent office staff,” Edwin confirms. “My transport manager, Adrian McKibben, who is also a shareholder, has been with us since 2007 and he also worked with me at Chambers and JMB Tours.

“Development manager David Millar is an ex-CEO of Blue Circle and he looks after maintenance, parts, costs etc., while Pamela Wilson – an ex Donald Trump employee – has also joined the board of directors and is extremely capable.

I headhunted these people and harnessed their strengths and they have contributed enormously to our success and growth. I don’t think there’s as a good a team working anywhere in Tyrone with regards to the mechanics of business.

Everything is accounted for and planned; nothing is left to chance.”

The reasons for JMB Coaches’ popularity are patently obvious. At present, the company provides employment to up to 15 fulltime staff and twelve parttime workers. “We are in the dead centre of Northern Ireland and we can go north, south, east or west,” says Edwin. “We started out as a local operator but were soon going to Belfast and Enniskillen and everywhere within a 50-mile radius.

“We have a fleet of modern, comfortable coaches and that

appeals to people.

Customers like to travel in style and comfort.

“Knowing your business and where you come from is important. You have to know your limits. There are times when we can’t compete and we will hold our hands up and say ‘sorry, we can’t do that’. You can’t undercut yourself. You have to watch your bottom line.”

Looking to the future, Edwin is understandably optimistic: “We’ve picked up five new contracts so far this year and there are a lot of things in the pipeline that will happen in 2014,” he concludes. “We have a few things up our sleeves and will also be refreshing the fleet for the projects that are ongoing.

“We are not going to be stepping out of our depth but we know there is still a road to go in the prestige market.

The board meets once a week to keep on top of things. We are a team and we know that the day we stop being a team is the day we will fail. Everybody in the company works together.

“From the first year of JMB Coaches, our turnover has gone up from £5,000 to £500,000.

Turnover increased by 100% in the last twelve months – with no additional borrowing. We’re in a good place going forward but we’re not going to take our eye off the ball.”

Best Wishes To JMB Coaches, from

GERALD LYTTLE & SONS Commercial Repairs &Tachograph Centre Brake Roller Testing | ABS & EBS Diagnostics 219 Drum Rd., Cookstown BT80 9HR

Tel: 028 867 51261 Fax: 028 867 51882

E: alastairlyttle@btconnect.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

JMB Coaches are transport providers for Huttons Tours

Best Wishes To JMB Coaches, From

CURRAN CONNOLLY INSURANCE BROKERS

Commercial Motor | Business & Personal Insurance 2 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FL

Te: +44 (0) 28 9066 1938 Email: info@curcon.co.uk

www.curcon.co.uk

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No303546)

Best Wishes To JMB Coaches From

Sean Corr Auto Electrics Starters | Batteries Alternators | Wiring Repairs 99 Drumenny Rd., Cookstown, Co. Tyrone BT80 OHN

Tel: 028 86737274 31

EVM designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 12:49 Page 1

The company work for businesses all over the world

EVM sprinting to success When a customer is purchasing a minibus or mini coach, it can be difficult for them to find the right vehicle that fits their specific business model.

CONTACT DETAILS

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EVM Direct Units 1-3 Wellingham Way, Crawley Road, Faygate, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4SE Tel: 0845 520 5160 Mobile: 07749 103203 Email: info@evmdirect.co.uk EVM Ireland Comagh Business Park, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 5793 32699 Fax: +353 (0) 5793 32691 Email: info@evm.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

EVM designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 12:49 Page 2

owever, EVM Custom Vehicle Builders offer their customers the vehicle that they want, when they want it, custom built to their specifications, and since being first established in the mid-nineties, the customer base has grown considerably, not only throughout Ireland and the U.K but mainland Europe as well as other parts of the world, making them become Ireland’s leading vehicle conversion manufacturer.

All vehicles are converted to the customers’ needs to help provide comfort, reliability and safety. EVM’s extensive client list includes the Health Board and the Irish Wheelchair Association, in Ireland, who need specially designed vans minibus's for the safe transportation of their patients, but these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their customer base.

EMV specialise in complete in-house design using the latest technology; personalised coaches built to individual customer specifications; full touring spec mini coaches, purpose built range of wheelchair accessible vehicles based on the Mercedes Sprinter Chassis.

For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile EVM, which has its headquarters in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath and speak to Sales and Marketing manager Peter Flynn, who is based in their Sussex Sales office full time.

Peter is responsible for Marketing the EVM Product in the EMEA (European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets). “I oversee brand development, web site traffic growth, web site UI and advertising revenue as well as developing brand strategy and statistics systems,” said Peter.

EMV offers a comprehensive package that includes, a modern workshop facility; full

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EVM buy in th and build froe chassis m there IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

spray painting facility, on-site service repair agent; body repair service throughout Ireland, all coaches are available with full COIF and large selection of new and used Mercedes Benz coaches.

“We specialise in building Mercedes Benz Sprinter Minibus's from eight seats to 22 seats. We have new Minibuses for sale on our website at all times.

Innovation is the lifeblood to the success of our company.

Our business is built upon developing long term relationships with our customers.

“By investing time and resources into our vision, with a focus on collaborative working, we are best placed to promote innovation and deliver positive outcomes for our clients, not just short term fixes. EVM are the industry leader in designing and engineering custom built Mercedes-Benz Sprinters for any unique business.

“EVM is a brand recognised for its reliability in the mini coach industry, innovative design layouts and styling for the local and international markets. With 17 years of experience, listening to our customers and the use of latest technologies distinguishes EVM products in the market, setting the standard and making EVM your natural partner for success.”

The company’s manufacturing headquarters is located in Ireland, with sales and service facilities in Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Spain and Belgium.

“Our strengths lie in the close working relationship with Mercedes Benz. We only build on Sprinter Chassis and all our vehicles are fully backed by the strongest aftersales Dealer networks in the world i.e. Mercedes Benz.

All our vehicles are covered by a 3-year bumper to bumper, unlimited mileage Chassis warranty. All this combines to give you the customer peace of mind that your investment as supported

by EVM and Mercedes

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Continued Best Wishes To EVM From

Fitz Air Van Conversions | Air-Conditioning Leasing, Sales & Servicing Fitz Air Limited

Unit 19 Peerglow Ind Est., Olds Approach, Watford WD18 9SR

T: 01923 720821 M: +44 (0)7900 263457 E: john@fitzairfridge.com | www.fitzairfridge.com Fitz Air Ire Limited Kilmalady, Clara, Co. Offaly T: 057 9335907 M: 089 4812987

M6 SERVICE CENTRE LTD. Tullamore Road, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.

OPEN 24 HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK Newsagents, Hot & Cold Deli, Fuels, Car Wash, Foodstore ALL MAJOR FUEL CARDS ACCEPTED Best Wishes To EVM Telephone: 057-9333908

www.connaughtpsv.co.uk Unit 12, Frontier Works, King Edward Road, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 4HU T: 01405 814064 | M: 07836 551 020 Email: info@connaughtpsv.co.uk Continued Best Wishes To EVM

Continued Best Wishes To EVM From

Wishing EVM Continued Success In The Future From

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34

Abrasives | Nuts | Bolts & Washers Power Tools | Hand Tools Welding Equipment | Gas Equipment Trailer Fittings | Safety Gear | Hand Cleaners Paper & D.I.Y Products Also Second Hand Shelving Office Furniture Kilfoylan, Moate, Co. Westmeath

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

EVM designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 12:49 Page 4

The Mercedes Sprinter drives like a car

All vehicles are designed to the customers spec

All vehicles are very spacious

Comfort is something that EVM strive for

Benz.”

Employing in the region of 30 people, EVM train their employees to the highest standards possible in order to meet the demands that their customers’ expect.

“All are vehicles are manufactured to Full European Whole vehicle type approval. We build to order and from the start to when the P.D.I checks are carried out when the vehicle is finished usually takes about six weeks.

“We have an experienced work force that are very knowledgeable in their jobs,

so that ensures that everything is done on time with great precision.

“EVM produce a reliable package, we have an After Sales team here, but in fairness, they don’t have much to do, such is the quality of the product.”

Peter revealed that they are very busy at the moment and for the foreseeable future.

“Thankfully, we are busy and our production orders are full for the coming months. We are always on the lookout for new business and we’re confident that with the product we have, we can

improve on our workload.”

"Product development is the key to our future continued success", said Peter. "EVM continue to lead from the front with exciting new products which will be evident at this year's Bus and Coach Show in Birmingham NEC where EVM will be displaying the new Euro 6 Sprinter chassis with new body styling and state of the art entertainment systems.

The vehicles are designed for easy access

The finished product

“PSV Glass is proud to be associated with EVM in providing aftermarket glass support to their mini-coach customers” IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

35

monghan coco designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:24 Page 1

A cattle underpass on the N2 project

The men behind some of Ireland’s finest roads The road network in County Monaghan is one of the most impressive and best-maintained anywhere in Ireland. Irish Trucker caught up with Monaghan County Council’s Director of Services for roads / environment Damien Treanor to find out the secrets of his – and the local authority’s – ongoing success.

CONTACT DETAILS

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roads@monaghancoco.ie Tel: 047 30597/30541/30570

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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has a key role to play in protecting and enhancing the natural environment and in providing quality environmental services in the county. It is responsible for dealing with over 100 different pieces of environmental legislation and has a broad range of environmental functions including waste management, litter management, river and lake water quality, dog control, environmental awareness and food safety.

The roads department provides a number of related services, including road opening licences, temporary road closures, road safety, winter maintenance, traffic management, public lighting, emergency situations, abnormal load permits, facility information signage, speed limits and reporting on planning applications as they relate to roads.

As an unexpectedly-sunny summer comes to an end and the evenings start to shorten, there is only one task on this list that occupies the minds of most motorists … winter maintenance!

When it comes to the winter maintenance programme, Monaghan County Council has one of the highest percentages in Ireland in terms of the amount of its ext year will mark Damien Treanor’s 30th as a member of the trusty team at Monaghan County Council. For the past three of those, he has been Director of Services for Road Transport and Environment – one of the busiest and most demanding roles within the local authority.

Monaghan County Council’s roads department is responsible for the planning, design, improvement and upkeep of the road network within the county and part of Damien’s brief is to manage the budgets to deliver the roads programme. This represents a considerable undertaking - “There’s never a dull moment,” he quips.

The environment section

N

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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monghan coco designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:24 Page 3

road network treated. “We have almost 2,500km of public road in the county, 110km of which is designated as national roads, while 300km are regional roads.

The remainder is local roads,” Damien reveals.

“We deliver our winter maintenance programme on over 600km of this – the entire national and regional routes as well as almost 200km of local roads.”

With something so serious as road safety, nothing can be left to chance. An IceNet snow and ice warning system forecasts the projected temperature of the road and whether it is likely to freeze. An engineer then studies these charts and decides whether or not the road will have to be treated on specific nights.

“Last year, the roads in Monaghan had to be treated on 81 occasions,” recalls Damien. “This is much higher than average.

The average is closer to 50 nights. We’ve actually had to go out on more than 80 occasions on three of the last four years, which, as you can imagine, means that a large amount of salt is being used!

“Last year was a peculiar one because even though it wasn’t that cold on a lot of nights, the temperature still fell below the threshold and as the roads were wet from rain, freezing was forecast, which can make for slippery black ice conditions. It’s a scientific call, at the end of the day, with a lot of factors

The environmental patrol unit

going into the equation.

“We had three duty engineers on call last year.

We have a fleet of eight trucks working on the winter maintenance programme, covering eight different routes, each of which takes three to four hours to treat.

There are two men in each truck so there are up to 20

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personnel involved on any given night.”

In total, Damien oversees a fleet of ten trucks, which are versatile and look after all the Council’s road maintenance needs – from winter maintenance to surface dressing, sweeping and drainage etc. Every effort is made to keep the fleet as fresh as possible and Damien is currently in the process of replacing two units with second-hand 08-reg lorries.

The machinery yard itself is located at Tirkeenan in Monaghan town, while there are also depots in C a r r i c k m a c r o s s , Castleblayney, Clones and Emyvale.

Needless to say, keeping the roads in Monaghan safe for the general public over the recent harsh winters has presented the local authority with a stiff challenge. “The last few winters have been

very challenging,” Damien agrees. “Especially as we are covering 600km per night, which is definitely one of the highest percentages in the country. We have a great track record in Monaghan of carrying out our winter maintenance programme, but at the same time there’s only so much you can do.

Unfortunately, you simply can’t cover all the roads.”

Is it worrying? Are there sleepless nights when the frost arrives and the safety of motorists becomes a pressing issue? “Of course, it’s a big responsibility, but it’s a job that has to be done and we are satisfied that we do it to the very best of our ability.

There is literally nothing more we can do. The men are absolutely fantastic – they go out at 2 or 3 in the morning to make sure that people can get to work safely. They put in unbelievable work over the

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Continued Good Wishes To All At Monaghan County Council, from

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Continued Best Wishes To Monaghan County Council From

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Best Wishes To Monaghan County Council, from

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monghan coco designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:25 Page 5

Continued Best Wishes To Monaghan County Council

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ROAD RECYCLING

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40

EMYVALE CO. MONAGHAN

winter and it can be very difficult to maintain the resources in terms of both manpower and vehicles.”

Speaking of manpower, how many people are employed in the road transport / environment section of Monaghan County Council? “Including indoor staff, we would have 50 as well as over 100 road workers plus 51 retained firefighters, so there are over 200 in the department in total,” says Damien.

While funds are tight when it comes to improving / replacing roads or constructing new ones, Monaghan County Council is in an enviable position in that its roads network is already one of the finest and mostefficient in the country. “We have been lucky in that the three main towns – Monaghan , Carrickmacross and Castleblayney – have all been bypassed recently and that has made a huge difference to travel times in the county.

“On national roads, we completed Phase One of the Emyvale Road (the N2 heading north out of Monaghan town) in 2011 and we hope to finish Phases 2 and 4 of that later this year, which involves an additional 3.5-4km. We invested €2.2m on that in 2011 and will spend another €5m this year, which is a sizeable allocation by any standards. This year we’re also planning to do some improvement work on the N12, close to the Armagh border.”

If there was an All-Ireland title for roads, Monaghan would definitely be in the running! “A lot of time and effort – and money - is being spent on roads in Monaghan and we have achieved a very high standard,” Damien Treanor confirms. “Our goal now is to maintain that high standard.”

Of course, bad weather doesn’t just make roads dangerous to travel on – it also causes permanent damage to the surface, which is a major pain for all concerned. “It does,” says

Damien. “Drainage is the key to minimising that. If you can lower the water table, then there’s less chance of water freezing on the road and breaking it up.”

Funds will always be an issue but, to their eternal credit, Monaghan County Council has always been able to make its limited finances stretch extremely well. “You could never have enough money because there are plenty of roads in Monaghan and they all have to be looked after,” Damien continues.

“We have a rolling three- to four-year programme to do the regional and local roads.

“You have to cut your cloth accordingly and unfortunately there are some jobs that have to wait. The local roads are the ones that can suffer when funds are tight because obviously you will prioritise the roads where traffic volumes are highest. You do some temporary patchwork and put them onto the list – we get through all the jobs on the list eventually. If there was more money available, there are some more jobs that we’d love to do this year.

But, generally, the roads in the county aren’t too bad.”

That’s an understatement, if ever there was one! Final words to Damien: “With the funds we have available to us, we seem to be getting value for money. We don’t waste any money and we stick to our programme. We will improve it further if we get additional funds.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

n&c designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 14:29 Page 1

ink Recycling is one of Ireland's premier skip hire businesses.

Although located in County Kildare, they also provide a reliable, punctual and affordable skip hire solution – including both skip bags and steel skips - to customers in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Carlow and Laois.

A solution can be found to satisfy all waste collection requirements, from one tonne to 20 tonnes. Skip bags are available in three different sizes – Baby, Mini and Mighty, which can hold 1 tonne, 1.25 tonne and 2 tonnes of waste respectively. The range of steel skips is as comprehensive as it is

P

Pretty in pink As part of the N & C Enterprises group, which has been serving the public for six-and-a-half decades, Pink Recycling has made quite an impression since its inception in 2009. Certainly, its distinctively-coloured fleet is one of the most conspicuous operating anywhere in Ireland! Irish Trucker dropped into the company’s Kildare depot and got an insight into the day-to-day running of the business from MD Clement Gavin.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Pink Recycling Kilmeage, Naas, County Kildare Email: info@pinkrecycling.ie www.pinkrecycling.ie

41

n&c designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 14:29 Page 2

flexible, ranging from Mini to 14 cubic yards.

Reflecting on the genesis of Pink Recycling, founder Clement Gavin notes: “We started out in 2009 as a skip bag company. We then expanded into steel skips in March, 2012, supplying steel skips for domestic and commercial use – construction waste, attic clear-outs, “ Skip bags are a cheaper and novel alternative to steel skips. How exactly do they

42

work? “They are large polypropylene bags and they’re available in three different sizes from local hardware stores. Customers just fill the bag with waste and then just give us a call and we will collect it within three working days.

“They are proving to be very popular and the steel skips have really taken off as well.

We have over 100 skips in total at our disposal and, thankfully, there is very big demand on them.”

Typically, the hire period for a steel skip is three days, although an extended agreement can alternatively be agreed in advance, in keeping with Pink Recycling’s flexibility and customerfriendliness.

Clement oversees a fleet of three distinctive pink lorries; two of which collect and deliver the skips while the third is dedicated to bags. As the business is growing steadily, there is the prospect of an additional unit being added to the fleet in the nottoo-distant future. Personnelwise, the MD adds: “We’re employing three drivers fulltime plus one more person in the office and it’s definitely expanding.”

Within the N & C Enterprises group as a whole, Pink Recycling is much more than a mere afterthought. It’s a genuine going concern in its own right and a business which the managing director it taking very seriously.

“This is now a very important part of the group,” he confirms. “It started out as a sideline, complementing the main business and providing existing customers with an extra service. But it has really taken off in the meantime and has taken on a life of its own.”

As for the brave decision to opt for pink livery, a choice which has given Pink Recycling a bright and unique image that certainly stands out from the pack, Clement explains that it was

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Best Wishes To N&C Enterprises, From

Chartered Accountants www.tynandillon.ie

Dublin | Naas | Mayo 74 Northumberland Rd, Dublin 4.

T: +353 (1) 6684442 F: +353 (1) 6686413 E: dublin@tynandillon.ie

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Clare St, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo T: +353 (94) 963 0261 F: +353 (94) 963 0678 E: mayo@tynandillon.ie

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Best Wishes To N&C Enterprises From MOOREFIELD RD., NEWBRIDGE, CO. KILDARE Western Plastics manufactures and distributes an ever-expanding line of packaging supplies and machinery to a wide market range.

Ireland’s premier supplier of Total Quality Packaging.

Galway Office

Ballybrit Industrial Estate , Upper Ballybrit, Galway Tel: 353 91 771588 Fax: 353 91 752877 E: Sales@westernplastics.ie

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Oliver Conroy (Pallets) Ltd Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9373500 Email: sales@conroypallets.ie 44

Tel: 045 433 332 | Fax: 045 433 096 Website: www.coughlansolicitors.ie Email: info@coughlansolicitors.ie A Comprehensive Legal Service Personal Injuries Best Wishes To Property N&C Enterprises Family Law Employment Law Debt Collection Criminal Law Wills & Probate

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All Makes & Models Of New & Used Commercial Vehicles - Supplied & Serviced

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

n&c designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 14:29 Page 5

in response to a request that he simply couldn’t refuse! “My three daughters had my heart broke to paint the trucks pink.

I just gave in; painted them pink and called the business Pink Recycling.”

Looking to the future, Clement is confident that it is a bright one not just for Pink Recycling but for the N & C Enterprises Group as a whole: “We have applied for planning permission for a recycling centre in Kilmeague and we’re hoping to put in a civic amenity site there as well,” he reveals.

“We are confident going forward. The group as a whole is going very well and we can have no complaints on that front. I’m very happy with how things are going.

We employ 20 people directly across the group and we would also generate work for another 20—25 people,

many of whom would be hauliers that we subcontract.

“Across the board, in-house, we operate a fleet of ten trucks, mostly Hino and Iveco as well as one Volvo. We handle all the basic maintenance ourselves and the rest is looked after on our behalf by the main dealer.”

Pink Recycling is part of the N & C Enterprises group.

N&C Enterprises Ltd. is a long-established family-run business, which has been supplying quality bagged and bulk aggregates and building products to builder's merchants throughout Ireland since 1948. The current directors are the fourth generation of the Gavin family to be involved in the family business. N & C has forged a reputation for providing top-class products using an unrivalled, next-day delivery service nationwide.

Continued Best Wishes To N&C Enterprises, From

Manufacturers of: P.E BAGS | WOVEN P.P. SACKS PALLET WRAP | SHRINK HOODS PP ROPES Ballycumber Road, Clara, Co.Offaly Tel: 00353 579331282

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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A1 recovery designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:12 Page 1

The recovery and cleaning specialists A1 Recovery Specialists is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost vehicle breakdown and recovery services. It is a sister company of A1 Cleaning Specialists which specialises in crime and trauma cleaning.

CONTACT DETAILS

46

A1 Recovery Specialists/A1 Cleaning Specialists 64B Killysorrell Road, Blackskull, Dromore, Co. Down, BT25 1LB Emergency Contact Number: 07730 316 596 Office Number: 028 9269 9629 Email: darin@a1cleaningspecialists.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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vehicles, A1 enlists the assistance of John Beers Recovery in Comber, Co. Down.

As well as being approved by all major insurance companies, A1 Recovery offers a 24-hour secure storage facility at its CCTVprotected yard which has a capacity for 300 cars in Dromore. It also offers crane services and can provide new courtesy vehicles to non-fault party when using the recommended legal service which it offers. Darin’s staff, who are always friendly and courteous, are fully trained to handle any emergency.

“We attend to breakdowns on both sides of the border,” explains the affable managing director, whose wife Angela is also involved in the family-run business.

“No job is too big or too small. We offer a complete breakdown service. Thirteen years ago, we started out with just a van and trailer. We then decided to put on a small lorry and when the RUC (which has since been replaced by the PSNI) started calling on us more, the business grew and grew. We now have eight vehicles on the road, employ four drivers and three mechanics. We can service and repair all types of vehicles.”

A1 Recovery is approved by leading insurance companies

1 Recovery Specialists has been providing a reliable and professional 24-hour breakdown service since it was set up by Darin Savage in 2000.

Based just minutes from the busy A1 route between Belfast and Dublin in Dromore, Co. Down, A1 Recovery serves much of Northern Ireland as well as parts of the Republic. The company is fully equipped to handle everything from a motorcycle to a mediumsized truck. When it comes to recovering larger

A

The firm response se operates a 24/7 rvice 365 days a year

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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A1 recovery designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:13 Page 3

A1 Recovery is a familiar sight on the roads of Northern Ireland

such as Call Assist, Equine Rescue Services Ltd, Nationwide Breakdown, Fleet Support, Hughes Insurance, MIS Insurance and It’s For Women Insurance. Seven of the eight vehicles operated

by Darin are tilt and slide recovery trucks, while the other vehicle is used for carrying passengers.

“Our recovery vehicles comprise three Mercedes, three DAF and one Isuzu.

Two of the vehicles are 17 tonne with cranes. We also have a specialist tilt and slide truck suited to the recovery of ultra-low sports cars like Ferrari. The other vehicle we run is a seven-seater Iveco Daily.”

A1’s recovery vehicles are always stocked with items such as fuel, light bulbs, batteries and fuses, which may get your vehicle sorted on the spot. Recently, the company took delivery of a new auto drain system which is used for draining diesel from a petrol vehicle and visa-versa.

As rewarding as it is to be able to help motorists in distress, Darin admits roadside recovery is a tough business to be in.

“It’s like a prison sentence,” he chuckles.

“When you are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you are never switched off.

The night-time breakdowns are always the hardest, especially when the weather is cold. We attend to two or three breakdowns every night.

“It’s something you have to be cut out for. Not everyone could do this kind of work. But it’s nice to be able to help people who are in a spot of bother.

And we’re delighted to be able to do it in a courteous manner and at a very competitive price.”

A few years ago, Darin added another string to his bow when he established A1 Cleaning Services. As with its sister company, A1

Cleaning Services operates a 24/7 response service 365 days a year. It also provides a service to local authorities, the PSNI, landlords and estate agents.

Specialising in extreme cleaning such as accident and trauma scene, including death scenes, A1 Cleaning Specialists is committed to providing an efficient and professional service. Its staff are fully qualified and training by the National Academy Crime Scene Cleaners and are fully vetted by the PSNI.

The company adheres to all Government, Health & Safety and COSHH regulations. All work includes relevant surveillance protocols and incorporates documented audit procedures.

In addition, A1 Cleaning offers specialised cleaning and sanitisation of the following: police custody cells; public and private properties; body fluid removal; deodorisation restoration; decomposition restoration; hypodermic needle collection; vehicle sanitisation; removal of all waste.

All equipment and systems of work that are used by and support the A1 Cleaning’s contractual requirements are maintained and reviewed regularly to support the company’s safe working practices and to ensure minimal risk to the health, safety and welfare of the company’s employees.

“It’s a specialist cleaning service,” Darin explains.

“Unfortunately, during any recession there is a higher incidence of suicide and crime, and in many cases, our services are required to help with the clean-up process. We have the equipment and expertise to leave a vehicle spotless.”

One of the seven tilt and slide recovery trucks

Continued Best Wishes To A1 Recovery Specialists 17 Rowantree Road, Dromore, Co Antrim, BT25 1NN Call 02892992486 | E: mortoncommercial@btconnect.com | www.mortoncommercials.co.uk 48

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Continued Best Wishes To A1 Recovery Specialists, From All At

John Beers Recovery & Commercial Repairs Any Vehicle, Anywhere Heavy Recovery Specialist Established Since 1994 Accident Recovery • Breakdown Recovery www.johnbeers.com Commercial Vehicle Repairs 42 Drumhirk Rd., Comber, Newtownards, Co. Down BT23 5NN Roadside Assistance Fax: 02897 521455 Mobile: 07802 664 322

028 9752 1542 To All The Crew At A1 Recovery Specialists, May Your Success Continue!!

Stuart & Stephanie

3ACCIDENT RECOVERY SPECIALIST 3CONTRACT WORK WELCOME 3CAR & COMMERCIAL 3RELIABLE SERVICE 3SECURE YARD

tes a R n e e K

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Best Wishes To A1 Recovery Specialists From

DROMORE MOTOR REPAIRS We are Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Specialist www.carspares.net

Best Wishes To A1 Recovery Specialists

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www.dromoremotorrepairs.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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deighan designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:40 Page 1

The fleet is a mixture of DHF and Volvo

eighan Transport was established as a family business by Seamus Deighan in May, 2000. Since then, it has developed into one of Northern Ireland’s leading air freight specialists, covering Ireland, the UK and the continent. Reflecting on the genesis of the company, the founder and proprietor notes: “I had worked in the transport industry before and I decided to take a chance and set up my own business.

I did a bit of driving and I also worked in a transport office

D

for a while. In 2000, I decided to buy a lorry and I started to do some traction work for my previous employers. From there, things just progressed steadily – either by good luck or by good guidance!” he quips.

That first truck was a Scania 143 and today Seamus and his wife Anne oversee a fleet of nine lorries (five DAFs and four Volvos) as well as 16 trailers. He is pleased to report that business is going well: “Luckily enough, things have gone well for us from

Delivering an exceptional distribution solution Headquartered in Coleraine, County Derry, Deighan Transport has forged an excellent reputation for itself in distribution and storage during the 13 years since its inception. Irish Trucker dropped into the company depot in Garvagh and got the lowdown on day-to-day operations from founder and director Seamus Deighan.

CONTACT DETAILS

50

Deighan Transport 22 Rectory Park, Garvagh, Coleraine, County Derry, BT51 5AJ, Northern Ireland Tel: 07734 231333

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

deighan designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:40 Page 2

the beginning. We had a few customers who came on board with us at the start and some of them are still with us today, thankfully.

The personnel in companies might change, but they have stayed with us. When people are prepared to come back and do business with you over and over again, it’s a good vote of confidence and we like to think that we are providing a good service.”

This is without doubt.

Customer loyalty is key in the distribution sector and, in a field where service is key, there is no room for sentimentality. Bottom line is that partners only stay on

board if they are receiving a quality solution – something Deighan Transport has prided itself on since day one.

Deighan Transport is very much a family business. Seamus and his wife are the two shareholders, while his sister Carmel is also involved in day-to-day operations. Seamus’ late brother Kieran was the man behind the wheel when the very first delivery was made in May, 2000.

In terms of vehicles, Seamus operates a very

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Wishing continued success for Deighan Transport

2-id

Specialising in road freight forwarding to and from Northern and Southern Ireland with daily departures from the UK arriving next day in Dublin and Belfast ... we provide an efficient reliable service focused on customer satisfaction and we have a well earned reputation for providing solutions to last minute ‘problem jobs’.

Next day & 48 hour deliveries available Timed deliveries available throughout Ireland Mainland Europe also covered Next day A.M. upon request Daily collections in Ireland for UK delivery Full and part loads available All loads are driver accompanied All drivers Level D certified

2 Ireland Daily Ltd Heathrow Depot Dublin and Belfast Hubs Email: sales@2-id.co.uk Tel 07557 915554 (24 Hour) www.2-id.co.uk

Best Wishes To Deighan Transport, from

TBF Thompson Mallusk: 028 9034 2001 Garvagh: 028 2955 8353 Portadown: 028 3839 3300

DAF DistributorsNorthern Ireland BEST WISHES TO ALL AT DEIGHAN TRANSPORT

Wishing Continued Success To Deighan Transport From

Continued success to all at Deighan Transport, from Toome Business Park, 21 Hillhead Road, Toome Co. Antrim, BT41 3SF T: 028 7965 9736 F: 028 7965 0000 www.copperindustries.co.uk

Martin Boyle Haulage Ltd

Providing you with 1st Class Service for over 25 years Highly competitive prices available for Part & Full Loads Ireland - UK Daily • Dublin - Donegal Daily Upper Dore, Bunbeg, Co. Donegal Tel: (074) 95 31711 • Fax: (074) 95 32364 Mobile: (087) 2897606 Email: martinboyle@eircom.net

Best Wishes To Deighan Transport From

John J Quigg CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT GENERAL ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES & TAX RETURNS 74 Main St., Garvagh, BT51 5AE

Telephone/ Fax 028 29557022 52

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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captions

The business was founded in 2000

fresh and well-maintained fleet. The newest truck is a 2012 model, while the oldest would be 2001. The 16 trailers are made up of 15 curtainsiders (a mixture of

Euroliners with tail-lifts and standard curtainsiders) plus one flat.

Deighan Transport provides an unrivalled air freight solution, specialising in the

distribution and storage of electrical products and white goods.

They also do HazChem and have Level D clearance for airport work. A continent-wide solution is

provided and one recent delivery brought a Deighan Transport truck all the way to the Finnish / Russian border: “If a customer asks us to go there, that’s where we’ll go,”

The company operates 16 trailers

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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deighan designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:40 Page 5

ADAMS TRANSPORT Specialise In Refrigerated Transport & General Haulage

E&I Engineering Group E&I Engineering Ltd are one of Europe’s Leading Electrical Power Distribution solution providers with a proven track record for quality, technical expertise and customer service.

Our range of switchgear, package substations and busbar-trunking systems are developed through continuous research and development, anticipating and reacting to the requirements of the industry.

The full range of equipment is ASTA certified and reflects our approach to in house research, design and development.

This extensive product range, proven performance, specialist technical services and focus on both customer service and product deliveries provides the peace of mind for our customers that make E&I Engineering the only choice for your electrical distribution requirements.

Proud to partner with Deighan Transport for LV Switchgear & Busbar Systems

Armoy, Co. Antrim T: 028 20752342 | F: 028 20751917 M: 07738826661 E: johnadams.transport@virginmedia.com Wishing Continued Success To Deighan Transport

Wishing Deighan Transport Continued Success In The Future

USED CAR SALES & SERVICE OF ALL MAKES AND MODELS

Unit 2, Ballerin Business Park, Ballerin Road, Garvagh BT51 5EH

Tel: 078 00581312 | 028 2955 8459

For more info please visit : www.e-i-eng.com Tel: +44(0)2871 353030

Best Wishes To Deighan Transport, From

DRUMROCK MECHANICAL Proprietor: Joe Bradley

PSV & MOT REPAIRS CARRIED OUT

Noel Currie Accident Repairs

Private & Commercial Vehicle Repairs Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Bumper Repairs

ZF Gearboxes Diagnosed & Repaired

25 Drumard Road, Knockloughrim, Magherafelt BT45 8QA

07759 125299 Continued Best Wishes To Deighan Transport, From

C. Faulkner and Sons

HAULAGE CONTRACTORS

37 Carhill Road, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co. Derry BT51 5PF T: 028 295 58192 / 58592 F: 028 295 57775 Redcastle, Lifford, Co. Donegal T: 074 93 82285 E: cfaulknerandsons@btconnect.com

54

All Paint & Body Work Carried Out

Full Re-Sprays Proprietor Noel Currie

Unit 4, Ballerin Business Park, 98 Boleran Road, Garvagh BT51 5EH Tel: 07759462373 Email: noelcurrie@btinternet.com Best Wishes To Deighan Transport

Insurance Work Undertaken All Work Guaranteed

Best Wishes To Deighan Transport From

Supplying Quality Used Trailers Curtain Siders | Box Vans | Skeletals Platforms | Tippers Contact Stephen McIvor Used Sales Manager T: +44 (0) 28 79650765 | T: +44 (0) 28 79650042 M: 0044 (0) 7808360747 | www.sdctrailers.com SDC Trailers, 116 Deer Park Road, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim BT4 13SS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

deighan designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:40 Page 6

says Seamus. “We can handle any job; nothing is a problem. We also arrange air freight for other transport companies.”

Of course, the key to success in the transportation industry is to provide a quality service at an affordable price.

How difficult is it to strike the perfect balance between service and price? “We have been fortunate in that our partners have always been prepared to pay us good rates because we have always provided a good service,” says Seamus.

“Sometimes things will go according to plan but other times you will lose the odd client along the way. You have to be prepared for that.

“A lot of our customers have been there since the beginning and they have expanded and, by and large,

those who come on board have been more than happy to stick with us. They treat us well and we make sure that we look after them in return.”

In terms of personnel, Deighan Transport employs a crew of nine full-time workers

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

as well as Seamus and Karen. Three mechanics are on hand around the clock to ensure that the units are maintained in tip-top condition at all times.

The operation is headquartered in a well-

appointed unit in a business park in Garvagh, Coleraine and the service includes access to 5,500 sq ft of warehousing space.

Looking to the future, Seamus foresees a period of consolidation: “We are hoping to maintain what we have,” he concludes. “We have a good team of drivers here and very good customers, who have remained loyal to us. As long as they stay loyal to us, we will do the same for them.

“I’m happy with the size of the business and I deal with the day-to-day running of the company myself. I know what’s going on and I would never ask anyone to do something that I wouldn’t be able to do myself. I still drive a bit myself and I know within reason what’s happening out there.

“We use secure parking; the deliveries are driveraccompanied at all times; and we use overnight ferries etc.

The fleet is regularly checked and maintained and we are prompt and efficient, running a very tight ship. The boys all know what they are doing and they keep me in the loop.

I’m the first port of call at all times.”

Deighan Transport has carved a solid niche for itself in the 13 years since its inception. Everything is in place to ensure that the success story of this company continues for many years to come.

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transland designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:50 Page 1

The Transland Group are members of the Pallet Xpress

ransland Group is one of Ireland’s leading transport and logistics companies. Initially formed as Transland International in 1993 by managing director Kieran Conlon, the company has grown considerably and now services a customer base that covers Ireland, the U.K and further afield.

The company’s dedication to quality of service has ensured a continuous growth in size and reputation. In 2002, Transland began to diversify into the palletised freight market.

The company now offers an excellent distribution service

T

within Ireland through its membership of PalletXpress, and a consistently reliable UK and European import/export service, due to its membership of the Palletways network.

Transland has offices in Ireland (Naas) and the UK (Birkenhead), and is a member of the following freight and logistics associations: IIFA, BIFA and CILT. For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile this Naas based company and speak to Transport Consultant Paul Leogue about the success of the

business.

Transland extended its pallet service to include mainland Europe a few years ago and Paul revealed that this venture had been a huge success for the company.

“Transland has developed an unbeatable delivery service for palletised freight, covering all parts of Ireland, the UK and now mainland Europe. The company also offers international forwarding services and tailor-made Supply Chain Management solutions. We have offices in Naas, Co Kildare and Birkenhead, near Liverpool,” revealed Paul.

Providing the highest standards possible is part of Transland’s daily goal.

“Transland is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality in all areas of its operations.

Transland's continuous focus on quality and performance monitoring gives customers added confidence in its service offering.”

Transland’s philosophy of employing owner drivers has stood them in good stead down through the years as Paul stated that it cut down on overheads, while it also ensured that an efficient service was provided to their

Innovation the key for Transland Group Transland Group provides a comprehensive range of transport and logistics services. The company specialises in the UK-Ireland-UK market, building on its position as the leading distributor of magazines on this route.

CONTACT DETAILS

56

Transland Group Unit 13 Osberstown Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 45 837600 Fax: +353 (0) 45 837600 Email: info@translandgroup.com Web: www.translandgroup.com.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Transland Group are celebrating 20 successful years in business.

We’d like to deliver our congratulations.

Here’s to the next 20 years of business prosperity.

Distributed from one leading name in palletised freight to another, warm congratulations for achieving 20 successful years in business.

We choose our partners carefully. And Transland Group have kept their customers across the UK and Ireland consistently happy with an unbeatable delivery service. Here’s to more of the same in the future.

You name it, we deliver it.

Call 01543

418000 or visit www.palletways.com

21313 20Years Cake Ad A4 AW V2.indd 1

15/08/2013 16:23

transland designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:50 Page 3

Wishing Continued Success To Transland Group Unit 13 Osberstown Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 45 901125 Fax: +353 (0) 45 901765

www.palletxpress.com

Best Wishes To Transland Group, From

Emmet Garvey Transport W6G Tougher Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Telephone: 045 451040 Mobile: 086 3838124 Email: emmetgarvey@gmail.com

18 years in Business & enjoy working alongside Transland Group

Wishing Transland Group Continued Success In The Future, from

15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

T: 01 4969957 | F: 01 4969916 E: sales@officethings.ie | www.officethings.ie

Continued Success & Best Wishes To Transland Group From

Kieran McMahon Haulage Ltd General Haulage Contractor

IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.irishtrucker.com

Skinnagin, Tyholland, Co. Monaghan

Mobile: 086 2594807

Telephone/Fax: 047 72442 E: kmcmahonhaulage@eircom.net

58

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

transland designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:50 Page 4

The company specialises in daily pallet services covering all of Ireland and the UK

customers.

“We would have twenty drivers, all of whom own their own vehicles. The trucks have the Transland logo on them, but it is the drivers that own the vehicles. This is a policy that Kieran has always adopted and one that has proven very efficient.

“Owner drivers obviously take greater care of their vehicles and they are more dedicated to supplying the best service possible, while the reliability is there also.

“Apart from the owner drivers, there would be 35 employed in the company.

They would be divided into different areas such as accounts, U.K operations, I.T, Freight Forwarding and Sales. So we look after all aspects of the industry.”

In the last few years, Transland Group launched a new Special Offers online facility for palletised freight, the first of its kind in the transport industry.

Customers can avail of highly discounted rates online if they book early and pre-pay for consignments by credit card. Online rates can be up to 50% less than market rates.

“This facility is available to both existing account holders and new customers, but we

believe it will most benefit small-to-medium sized companies. Traditionally, only the largest companies with the most volume could demand the cheapest rates.

Now, by using our online facility, smaller companies can avail of the best rates on an ongoing basis, which will make them more competitive in their own industry.”

The objective was to balance the capacity on all their routes. Transland Group were finding an imbalance of capacity on backloads, particularly on the Ireland-UK route. To address this

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

imbalance, they came up with a model that would allow them to sell this space continuously at greatly reduced rates.

“We have since scaled back our costs on all routes to provide this facility on all our UK and Irish services, and the reduction in administration costs afforded by the online facility helps to further drive down online costs.

“The pallet service is ideal for this model, as a pallet is a relatively homogeneous commodity and a pallet space can be sold in much the same

way as an airline seat. Based on available capacity and customer requirements, we will be able to offer targeted promotions on certain routes, e.g. Dublin to Manchester."

As well as finding discounted rates, customers can book consignments online, track their shipments and access POD’s through the website as soon as delivery has been completed.

In this way, customers have more control over their freight.

In 2010 Transland was appointed Southern Ireland member for Palletways, the UK’s largest pallet network.

This partnership enables Transland to expand its distribution portfolio to mainland Europe, and the website offers discounted rates to and from European countries. From 1st of September 2013, we will be extending our European services with daily departures to and from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

GROUP MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to provide and maintain the highest level of service to our clients in all areas of our operation, to supply this service at a competitive price, and to respond proactively to customers’ requirements.

Transland were appointed the southern Ireland member for Palletways, the UK’s largest Pallet Network

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Part of the impressive T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd fleet

or over half a century, the Hennessy name has been synonymous with the recovery and motor sectors in Kildare. Up until 2000, T Hennessy & Sons were the main Volkswagen

F

dealers for the county. In recent years, however, the company’s focus has shifted more and more towards recovery and breakdown assistance, so much so that is it now an out-and-out

recovery specialist.

Tony Hennessy, who runs the family business with the help of his wife Mary and teenage daughters Ashley and Sallyanne, takes up the story: “We’ve been in the

recovery business for over 50 years, but it wasn’t until 2011 when my father, also Tony, retired that we decided to devote all our energies to this side of the business.

“We got out of the sales,

Different name: same great service Two years ago, T Hennessy & Sons was renamed T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd to reflect the owner’s decision to concentrate solely on recovery and breakdown assistance.

Company director Tony Hennessy explains more.

CONTACT DETAILS

60

T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd. Mylerstown, Twomilehouse, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: 087 2584246

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

hennessy designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 14:16 Page 2

services and repairs businesses completely to concentrate exclusively on recovery and roadside assistance. We felt it wasn’t feasible to keep up the garage side of the business when we decided to go 24hour with the recovery. We renamed the company T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd and haven’t had any regrets about going down this road, thankfully.”

The newly-named business has since established itself as the leading breakdown recovery specialist in its area, attending to the needs of motorists in Kildare and the surrounding counties of Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Laois, Carlow and Offaly. T Hennessy (Garage) can recover anything from a motorcycle to a commercial van. It enlists the help of

Corcoran Autobody Works in Portlaoise to recover larger vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Corcoran’s operates the

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

largest vehicle repair centre in Ireland and specialises in the recovery and repair of passenger vehicles, light/heavy commercials and

buses.

“We have an excellent working relationship with them,” says Tony.

“They look after all the heavy recovery work for us.

We’re located just off the M7 and M9 Motorways which means we’re only minutes away from thousands of motorists who are travelling on those routes. While most of our work is carried out within a 15-mile radius of Naas, we cover a large part of Leinster.

“We work out of Twomilehouse, which is about five miles from Naas.”

Providing a fast, friendly, reliable and efficient response, T Hennessy (Garage) boasts a modern fleet of recovery vehicles which are equipped with the latest technology to ensure you get the possible and most competitively priced service.

In addition, Tony and fellow recovery drivers Matt Johnstone and Cormac O’Regan can collect a vehicle from any part of Ireland and transport it home. Matt has been employed by the Hennessy’s for a decade, while Cormac joined the team two years ago.

The Hennessy modern recovery fleet includes two Iveco flatbeds, a Mitsubishi Canter Spec Lift, a

Tony Hennessy (left) and Matt Johnstone

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Continued Success To T. Hennessy (Garage) Ltd, From

PLR REPAIRS HGV & LGV Maintenance | Fleet Maintenance Trailer Servicing | Trailer Maintenance

Best Wishes To T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd

NAAS OIL FUEL CARDS DCI Fuel Cards & Road Diesel

Unit W10K, Ladytown Business Park, Newhall, Naas, Co.Kildare

Tel: 045 409107 Email: info@plrrepairs.com | www.plrrepairs.com

Tel: 045 871771

www.naasoil.ie

BALTINGLASS TOWING & RECOVERY SERVICE

D&R AUTO ELECTRIC LTD. Fishery Lane,Naas.

Specialist’s in 24 Hour Breakdown and Accident Recovery for Car’s 4x4 and Light Commercial Vehicles.

Tel: 045-897791

Main Street, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow M: 087 6865800 T: /F: 059 6481873

STARTERS | BATTERIES | ALTERNATORS WIRING REPAIRS

Email: baltinglasstowing@eircom.net CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO T HENNESSY ( GARAGE ) LTD

Best Wishes to T Hennessy ( Garage ) Ltd

Roadside Assistance 365 Day’s of The Year To Major Motoring Organisations.

Contact Michael Germaine. M.I.V.R.

Best Wishes To T Hennessy ( Garage ) Ltd, From Best Wishes To T Hennessy (Garage) Ltd

INSURANCE BROKERS

Around the corner - Around the world

Visit our website at: www.bradyburns.ie

Offices in Dublin & Kildare T: 00353 (0) 45 874498 F: 00353 (0)45 874588 M: 00353 (0)85 2536537 UK: 0800 011 2549 E: info@amcremovals.ie www.amcremovals.ie

Veritan Consultants Limited t/a Brady Burns & Associates is regulated by the Central Bank Dertra Investments Limited t/a Brady Burns Life & Pensions is regulated by the Central Bank Dertra Investments Limited t/a Brady Burns Mortgages is regulated by the Central Bank

IRISH

www.irishtrucker.com

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

62

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

hennessy designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 14:16 Page 4

The company Mitsubishi Canter Spec Lift

Volkswagen Transporter with motorcycle trailer and units, and a Nissan Crew Cab, which is a familiar sight in the Wicklow Mountains during cold weather.

“We’re close to the Sally Gap and the conditions can be treacherous up there when it snows,” Tony notes.

T Hennessy (Garage) receives frequent callouts from motorists who mistakenly put the wrong type of fuel in their vehicle. In this regard, they work in partnership with On the Spot Wrong Fuel Assist in Dublin.

They also carry out puncture repairs and can retrieve keys locked inside a vehicle without having to break a window.

“We are the only recovery firm in Kildare that has the equipment to open a car without needing to break glass,” the affable managing director continues.

T Hennessy (Garage) is

proud of the strong relationship it enjoys with all of the leading insurance companies, which enables them to take care of your insurance claim for you. AXA Assistance, AA, Europe Assistance, Mondial Assistance, Assist Crash Service, RAC, Hertz Rent-aCar and Motor Insurance Services are just some of the insurance companies T Hennessy (Garage) work on behalf of.

The family-run concern also carries out work for the NRA (National Roads Authority), the National Ambulance Service and Kildare County Council.

They have a contract with Kildare County Council to remove broken-down vehicles on the county’s Motorways.

“We cover the M7 and M9 Motorways within Co. Kildare,” Tony continues.

“If there is a car or van

broken down, we tow them away. We have our own outdoor and indoor storage area in Twomilehouse. Any vehicle we recover, we dispose of them legally.

“We attend to the needs of motorists who call from the SOS boxes on the side on the Motorway. You’d be amazed at how many people don’t have breakdown cover.”

Acknowledging that recovery is a difficult and demanding business to be in, Tony is hoping the next 50 years will be just as successful as the first 50 was for his family business.

“Getting out of bed in the middle of the night to attend to a breakdown isn’t the easiest thing to do, but that’s the business we’re in and you just have to get on with it.

“Our aim going forward is to continue providing the same great service that we have always done. We are lucky to have reliable and experienced staff, and that we are recognised by Ireland’s biggest insurance companies,” he concludes.

An Iveco flatbed

The recovery team of l/r: Cormac O’Regan, Tony Hennessy and Matt Johnstone

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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The Longford-based company has been providing a superior courier service for 14 years

stablished 14 years ago by husband-andwife Michael and Anna McKeon, M&A Couriers’ growth and success has been spearheaded by their son Mikey, who has been involved in the business from the very beginning.

“I was 18 when we started and 32 now,” the affable managing director informs us.

“You could say I’ve grown up with the business. I’ve been around trucks all my life so it came naturally to me.

We’re nearly 15 years in business and that’s a good milestone to reach after the struggles of the past few years. It has been a very tough time for anyone involved in the transport industry with rising fuel costs, reduced rates and, of course,

E

the recession. But we’re still going and holding our own, thank God.” Operating from Brianstown, which is situated just off the Strokestown Road out of Longford town, M&A Couriers provides a local, nationwide and UK courier service.

Mikey and his 10-strong staff provide a same-day courier and overnight courier delivery service throughout Ireland catering for deliveries from an envelope to a pallet service.

“We offer a complete courier service – pallet, part loads, full loads,” he explains.

“We started out offering a daily courier service between the midlands and Dublin, but have since branched out to provide a nationwide and UK service. This has been made possible through our

membership of PalletXpress.

We also buy in new or second-hand pallets and sell them on to our customers. In a few years’ time, we hope to make our own pallets.”

Mikey operates a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse and a fleet of eight Scania and DAF trucks, which are evenly divided between artics and rigids. He buys his Scania from Westward in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, while servicing and repairs are carried out in-house where possible.

Mikey believes his company has gone from strength to strength since becoming a PalletXpress member in October 2011. From its Brianstown base, M&A Couriers serves Longford and the surrounding counties of

Westmeath, Leitrim and Roscommon.

“It has been hugely beneficial for us,” he says of M&A’s PalletXpress membership.

“It has given us a nationwide and UK service which we didn’t have before we joined. We send a lorry up to Naas (where PalletXpress’ central hub is located) every night and our customers can be assured of a next-day delivery service anywhere in Ireland. We just link up with our partners and they do the rest. Every pallet is fully traceable.”

PalletXpress is Ireland’s only independent palletised freight network specialising in next-day distribution of express freight throughout the 32 counties and 48-hour

Longford leader As part of the PalletXpress Network, M&A Couriers Ltd in Longford offers its customers a 32-county nextday service and a 48-hour service to and from the UK. Managing director Mikey McKeon explains more.

CONTACT DETAILS

64

For more information about M&A Couriers Ltd, telephone 043 3359852 or why not call into Mikey or any member of the M&A team at Brianstown, Longford, Co. Longford

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

m&a couriers designed_Layout 1 16/09/2013 13:59 Page 2

service to and from the UK. The network, whose managing director is Dublin GAA great Tommy Carr, guarantees a fast and efficient solution to your needs for moving your pallet from ‘pick up’ to ‘delivery’ in a transparent and traceable manner. Its service is backboned by unrivalled IT systems and a dedicated staff who will personally handle all

your queries.

PalletXpress was founded in 2004 with a view to streamlining and professionalising the freight distribution industry, which had previously existed in an inefficient and unprofessional manner. It was a new concept in Irish road freight distribution, focusing on the movement of small consignments of

M&A provides a local, nationwide and UK courier service

palletised freight in a much more environmentally friendly manner, and also gaining huge efficiencies for hauliers and customers alike.

PalletXpress spent some time studying the UK models which had been in existence

for the previous 10 years.

This enabled the network to begin without having to make all the mistakes of a normal start-up business.

PalletXpress adopted the 'best practices' of the network industry and have since

M&A Couriers is part of the PalletXpress Network

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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GEM OILS LTD. Lubrication Solutions For Every Market Sector

GEM OILS LTD., Tel: (049) 4378116 • Fax: (049) 4368329 Email: sales@gemoils.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To M&A Couriers

Continued Best Wishes To M&A Couriers, From

John McKeon & Sons Ltd Park Road, Longford

McKeons Railway Bar

Tel: 049 4335333/ 086 8044627 (Declan) Email: corriganfuels@gmail.com Best Wishes & Continued Success To M&A Couriers Best Wishes To M&A Couriers, From

Francis Ely Transport Ltd

Earl St., Longford

Wishing Continued Success To M&A Couriers, From

Athnid, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Telephone: (0504) 45404 Fax: (0504) 45403 Email: franciselytransport@eircom.net

www.franciselytransport.com Best Wishes To M&A Couriers, From Unit 13 Osberstown Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare

Tel: +353 (0) 45 901125 Fax: +353 (0) 45 901765

www.palletxpress.com Longford Business and Technology Park, Ballinalee Road, Longford.

Wishing Continued Success To M&A Couriers From

McKeon Tyres Ltd. Puncture Repairs, New Tyres, Alloy Wheels 24 Hour Breakdown Service Unit 3A, Templemichael Business Park, Ballinalee Rd., Longford

T: +353 (0)4333 46133 F: + 353 (0)4333 46066 E: sales@toolandplastic.ie www.toolandplastic.ie

TO BOOK ADVERTISING SPACE please contact BARRY on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923

Tel: 043 3336674 Fax: 043 3336675 Mob: 086 8745915 Email: mckeontyres@hotmail.com 66

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Two of the impressive M&A Couriers fleet

made many changes to cater for the varied demands of the Irish transport industry and general economy.

Even though PalletXpress is a network encompassing 16 individual transport companies throughout Ireland, its service is seamless and integrated so customers are guaranteed the same product throughout the country.

All members are fully licensed and insured to carry all PalletXpress freight and all are bound by a code of operational conduct.

PalletXpress members are stringently vetted and are

among the most respected and reliable hauliers in the country. Since its inception, PalletXpress has had an extremely low turnover of members, allowing it establish a very tight-knit group with a huge emphasis on team work and communication focused on a common goal 'to provide customers with a gold standard service at fair prices'.

Reliable, cost-effective and customer-driven, M&A Couriers is a one-stop shop for all your courier needs.

Similar to other transport companies, M&A hasn’t been

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

immune from the recession, but it is fighting back.

“At our peak, we had 12 trucks on the road but we’ve had to reduce that figure to eight in the last couple of years. Before the recession, people had lots of money, but you have to scrap for every penny now. Falling rates and rising diesel costs are a huge issue for everyone in this business. But the decision by the Government to introduce a diesel rebate for licensed hauliers at the end of last year should be a big help to the industry,” Mikey says.

In conclusion, Mikey expresses gratitude to his

customers and also pays tribute to his staff.

“We are fortunate to have a lot of good customers who have stuck with us through thick and thin. I’d like to thank them for their continued support and assure them that we will be doing everything we can to keep providing them with the best possible service.

“I’d also like to thank our staff for their dedication and the role they’ve played in getting us to this stage. Our drivers are highly-reliable and experienced, and are among the best in the business.”

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Mobile crane lifts are a speciality

hese are turbulent times in Ireland as businesses continue to battle hard in order to survive. One industry that has suffered more than most is haulage where rising fuel costs and a reduction in rates has caused a lot of disharmony in the industry.

Unfortunately some companies have been forced

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to turn off their engines for good, while the more experienced ones have had to tighten their belts in order to survive.

Kevin Ducie Ltd is one such company that has the experience and know how to be able to provide a variety of services to their large customer base.

And for this month’s edition

of Irish Trucker, we profile the Ashbourne based company and speak to Darren Ducie about the current tribulations that face the haulage industry on a daily basis.

Darren’s father Kevin founded the company in 1969 specialising in house removals and general haulage. Since then Kevin Ducie Ltd has grown and now

operates in three business sectors: Haulage, Truck & Crane Hire and Recycling.

“While each business sector has its own unique customer base, we are now finding that our customers are now using all of our services,” explained Darren. “Our customers now see us as offering a complete solution to their business needs.

Top of their game The ability to diversify and supply a number of different services is the key to the future of any business during the current economic climate.

CONTACT DETAILS

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Kevin Ducie Ltd Stonehaven, Ashbourne, Co. Meath Tel: 01 835 0101 Darren: 087 258 5878 Kevin: 086 2588877 Kieron: 087 2819767 Email: info@kevinducie.ie

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“For example, we recently relocated a factor from Dublin to Cork. We transported their machinery and installed it at their new Cork site, the company hired four of our 40 cubic yard skips to recycle waste (both general and metal), we collected these, sorted the waste and recycled it. Our customer then hired our trucks and cranes on a daily basis to clear and dispose of old machinery that they were not going to use at their new site.

Their Dublin site was cleared, factory relocated and waste recycled. This is the service Kevin Ducie Ltd offers.

“We have grown over the years and supply a number of services to a large customer base. It is important to be able not to rely on just one area of the business especially during a

recession,” stressed Darren, who explained that his father is still heavily involved in the business.

“Kevin Snr continues to be involved in all aspects of the company. He throughly enjoys engaging with his customers and is extremly commited to delivering high service quality.

“I manage the transport and logistics both nationally and internationally. We do a lot of low loader work these days as well factory relocations. We have truck mounted cranes, which enables us to lift oversized goods and machinery. We work throughout Ireland the UK, and mainland

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Kevin Ducie Ltd specialise in all types of haulage

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have a large number of customers in the UK and mainland Europe.”

Kevin Ducie Ltd is approaching its 45th anniversary.

The company has expanded and so too has the family involvement.

Kevin’s sons Darren, Kieron, Kevin Jnr, future son-in-law Tom, and daughter-inlaw Aisling are all involved in the day to day operations of the business.

Darren also points to the fact that the work force have certainly played a massive part in the success of the business.

“The employees deserve great credit. It takes great flexibility in this industry and to their credit you would never hear them complaining and they just get on with the job in hand. They are very

The business was established in 1969

Europe. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The company also recycle all ferrous and non-ferrous metals, offering site clearance as well as the disposal of end-of-life vehicles, Skip Hire and general waste removal services. Kieron manages this side of the business which operates nationally.

The company fleet includes eight vehicles, five of which are crane mounted and three tractor units. Of the fleet they have on the road, there is a mix of Scania, Volvo, Iveco and DAF vehicles and Darren stated that they carry out their own maintenance in order to keep costs down.

“We do the majority of our own maintenance, particulary servicing and minor repair work. The fleet is kept fairly new and we try to upgrade it every few years.”

As there are eight trucks on

the road on a daily basis, the fuel bill is without doubt the biggest expense on the company’s books and it is one that is getting larger by the month.

“The fuel bill is the biggest stranglehold in the industry.

I’m waiting to see what the fuel rebate which has been introduced will bring.

Hopefully that will take some of the pressure off. We have been buying fuel abroad, which has proven to be more economical.”

Darren revealed that the customer base was large and extensive and included some Government bodies and that they are fortunate to have a very reliable customer base who have stuck by them throughout the years. “We are privelaged to have a loyal customer base in Ireland. For example we do a lot of work for companies such as Edina Power and the DAA. We also

Best Wishes To Kevin Ducie Ltd From

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Tel: 086 8376348 | 041 98 37994 70

experienced and have built up a good rapport with the customers over the years.

Without them the business would not be where it is today.”

As for the future Darren admits that every decision must be taken with utmost care and although expansion is something that the company is always looking to do, maintaining the high level of service to their large customer base is their main priority.

“At the moment it is all about survival. Further expansion lies ahead for Kevin Ducie Ltd, but for now our decisions are very strategic and planned very carefully.

Currently our business is operating at a steady pace.

Given our expertise in the Haulage,Truck & Crane Hire and Recycling sectors, at Kevin Ducie Ltd. our priority is to provide our customers with the best service possible.

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Best Wishes To Kevin Ducie Ltd, From

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Keeping the show on the road When it comes to the most vital function of the transportation sector – i.e. keeping things moving - local authorities have a huge role to play behind the scenes. Through their roads departments, they ensure that the requisite infrastructures are in place to facilitate the safe and economical movement of vehicles - and goods – from A to B. Nobody performs this duty more effectively and efficiently than Sligo County Council, whose latest confirmed project is the N4 Collooney / Castlebaldwin upgrade, which is currently in the planning stage and will go ahead in conjunction with the National Roads Authority (NRA) as a matter of priority. n January, the National Roads Authority announced funding of €7,771,979 to Sligo County Council for national roads in 2013. This included over €500,000 towards the essential Collooney to Tubbercurry (N17) and Collooney to Castlebaldwin (N4) schemes as well as a sum of €160k for widening works at Hughes Bridge to create another lane. €640k was set aside for the Ardloy bend realignment on the N4, while over €4.8m was allocated for West Sligo, with realignment works from Farranyharpey to Ballygreighan to include pavement and minor works.

Other projects earmarked in the Yeats County also include junction design works at the N17 / R294 junction in Tubbercurry.

Sligo County Council also received €8,547,821 for regional and local roads, including €200,000 to complete the link road from Burton Street to Connolly Street, €350,000 for the Ballinode / Hazelwood road and various sums allocated to Coolbock Bridge, Templehouse Bridge, Rathmurphy Bridge and Cloonacunny Bridge.

In mid-July, Fine Gael’s Sligo / Leitrim Senator

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Michael Comiskey welcomed confirmation from the Chief Executive of the NRA that upgrade works on the N4 Collooney / Castlebaldwin road would go before An Bord Pleanála in early Autumn: “While the majority of the N4 is in good repair, the stretch between Collooney and Castlebaldwin is in a particularly dangerous state,” he stated. “This is all too evident by the thirty white crosses, which mark the tragic deaths which have taken place on the N4 over the years.

“There was disappointment when upgrade works were delayed on two previous occasions by the NRA in order to study further the economic viability of the works. The safety of road users must be paramount irrespective of economic circumstances. I hope that today’s announcement will be the first step in moving these works forward in as quick a timeframe as possible so that any further loss of life can be avoided.”

With a mainline length of 14.5km (consisting of 12km of 2+1 roadway through a greenfield site and 2.5km of retrofitting on the existing road), the proposed scheme has been extended northwards and now

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commences just to the south of the N4 / N17 Toberbride Roundabout at Collooney to a tie-in point with the existing N4 at Cloghoge Lower townland, south of Castlebaldwin.

The new road will feature roundabouts at Cloonamahon and Castlebaldwin and a grade separated junction at the Ballymote Road.

ECOFACT are the project ecologists for the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin road scheme, working directly for Sligo County

Council. During the summer months, they updated the ecology surveys for this scheme, including undertaking a bat activity survey along the entire proposed route. They also undertook surveys for breeding birds, marsh fritillary butterflies, whorl snails and aquatic species such as white-clawed crayfish. A new wide band habitat map for the entire proposed CPO area was also prepared.

The N17 Collooney to Charlestown Road realignment, meanwhile,

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consists of 25km of standard two-lane road, extending from Annaghmore (10km southwest of Collooney) to the village of Curry (northwest of Charlestown).

The new road will bypass Ballinacarrow, Tubbercurry and Curry. This year, funding of €200,000 was allocated from the NRA to progress this scheme. Work includes the preparation of the Preliminary Design Report (PDR), the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) drawings. Due to the current economic climate, it is expected that design work on this scheme will be reviewed by the NRA towards the end of the year.

Sligo County Council has also been busy working on the N59 Farranyharpy to Ballygreighan realignment.

Construction of this scheme commenced in 2012, with an allocation of €5m having been received from the National Roads Authority and a further €4.8m allocated in 2013. This was Sligo County Council’s first national road construction project since the inner relief road was constructed in 2005.

Costing approximately €4.8m (the main contractors being Priority Construction Ltd.), the project involves the upgrading of 3km of the N59 national secondary route both online within the existing N59 road reservation and offline within existing greenfield

areas, to deliver a standard single carriageway, 8km wide in total and with a hot rolled asphalt surface.

Meanwhile, construction of the N4 Ardloy bend realignment scheme also commenced in 2012 with an allocation of €1.2m having been received from the National Roads Authority and another €640,000 allocated in 2013 to complete this improvement scheme. The main contractors on this 1.1km-long scheme were Harrington Concrete & Quarries. The scheme is located approximately 3km north of Castlebaldwin on the N4 primary road and includes – amongst other things widening of the existing road carriageway to an S2 standard and improvement of one priority junction.

Sligo County Council is also overseeing work on strategic non-national routes. The planning phase for the Eastern Garvogue Bridge and Approach Roads Scheme was completed in 2009 with the approval by An Bord Pleanala of the Environmental Impact Statement and Compulsory Purchase Order for the scheme. The next stage of this scheme is continuation of land acquisition procedures and the commencement of detailed design. This project is considered essential for the regeneration of eastern parts of Sligo city and for the ongoing development of the

The machinary yard complex for Sligo County Council at Drumaskabole

The N4

region. Funding of €200,000 has been received in 2013 to advance this scheme.

The non-national road bridge restoration / repair programme received grants from the Active Travel Towns

The contract for the N59 realignment is signed

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scheme last year, which enabled work to be carried out on Bellarush Bridge, Rathgreen Bridge, Gortnagrelly Bridge, Mullaghroe Bridge, St Fechins Bridge and Easkey Bridge.

Funds may be more difficult to come by than ever before but any trucker who travels through Sligo – the largest transportation node in the northwest – will tell you that the County Council is more than delivering on its transportation network requirements.

Sligo already has some of the best planned, best built and best maintained roads in the country. And with work on this vital transport artery ongoing, everyone’s a winner!

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Brian Cunningham designed_Layout 1 17/09/2013 16:15 Page 1

The company’s fleet of articulated vehicles includes curtain-siders, tankers and flatbed trailers

stablished by Brian Cunningham in 1999, Brian Cunningham Transport Ltd began life as a specialist transport operation for several local business and since then has grown to a nationwide and international service.

The company currently employs 36 people and its headquarters is located in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

12 months ago the decision was taken to dip their toes into the UK market and the company established a depot in Widnes.

“We’re growing the Bulk Tanker business in the UK market, running four vehicles and with six employees. It’s early days but we’ve been happy with how things have gone so far. We recently added a further two brand new Mercedes Actros vehicles to the fleet due to new business rapidly growing,” the company’s General Manager Carl Williams revealed.

It’s is a far cry from the company’s humble beginnings. BCT started off life with a single truck, and their fleet has grown steadily to nineteen.

The Mayo company’s success has been built on the foundations that customer service and satisfaction is the only way to truly achieve success. To this end they have always strived for the best possible customer service.

“The service levels we provide for our clients are

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always first class and we always get their product where it needs to be on time,” Carl explained.

“We offer a competitive and reliable service and what we like to do is build up relationships with our clients.

If they have a problem they come to any one of us and we’ll address it together.

We’re very much hands on in that regard.”

Brian Cunningham Transport offers a range of

From Mayo to Widnes Brian Cunningham Transport has spread its wings with the opening of a UK depot 12 months ago.

General Manager Carl Williams recently joined the ever burgeoning Mayo-based operation and he updated Irish Trucker on the ambitious company’s progress.

CONTACT DETAILS

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Brian Cunningham Transport Moneen Industrial Estate, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 94 90 38935 Fax: +353 (0) 94 90 38999 Mobile: +353 (0) 87 2076586 Email: info@bctransport.ie Website: www.bctransport.ie

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services from general haulage to hazardous goods transportation throughout Ireland and abroad.

Customer satisfaction in anticipating and meeting their customer's needs is paramount to the success of the company, and they continually strive to develop new, innovative and more competitive ways of offering their services.

All drivers are fully qualified and insured, all with HazChem certificates.

“Considering the economic climate, business has been very steady in Ireland, we’re holding our own.

“There’s a lot of competitors bidding for the same type of work and we find that, while we’re as

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Brian Cunningham Transport currently employs 36

competitive as everyone else, we lose contracts on price and sometimes you look at the rates other companies are charging and wonder how can that be manageable.

“That is placing a lot of strain on the industry in Ireland and the UK. “The price of fuel is obviously a major issue.

We’re always looking at ways to improve our fuel efficiency and that is the only way you can tackle that.

“We use the Blue tree fleet management system which enables us to educate our drivers and analyse where improvements can be made.

If we can get the extra mile per hour it could make all the difference.”

Carl – who joined the company as General Manager in April of this year added: “One of the reasons Brian brought me into the business was to look at the compliance end of things over in Ireland and in the Irish transport industry in general.

“Brian and I are looking to improve the compliance aspect of the business and bring the company to another level in that regard. We’re very keen to make sure we operate within the strictest compliance in terms of driver

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Brian Cunningham Transport’s success has been built on the foundations that customer service and satisfaction is the only way to truly achieve success

Brian Cunningham Transport opened its Widnes depot 12 months ago

BCT offers a range of services from general haulage to hazardous goods transportation throughout Ireland and abroad

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

training, health & safety and so on.”

Brian Cunningham Transport currently boasts a fleet of over 56 flat and skeletal trailers which enables them to handle large volumes of container traffic.

They also provide a container handling and storage service at their depot in Castlebar. For this purpose they have available on site a 42 tonne Kalmar forklift that easily handles 20', 40' or 45' full containers.

If required they can also arrange to have damaged containers repaired on site.

Their fleet of articulated vehicles includes curtainsiders, tankers and flatbed trailers to deliver full-load consignments to any part of Ireland and the UK. The company also provides Bulk Tanker Services transporting tar, butumen, foodstuffs and other bulk materials. Their fleet includes vehicles with on board blowing and tipping equipment for the discharge of materials as well as 5 ISO Tank Trailers. The company is awaiting delivery of six new Renault trucks in October.

Fully equipped and fully ARD, these will add more flexibility to their growing fleet going forward.

Brian Cunningham Transport holds a UK and Irish waste management permit, which authorises the company to transport waste materials and they can also provide a service for transporting abnormal size loads with an accompanying escort.

On top of that, they provide a D/ACC Service for Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden with an ambient, chilled and frozen.

In short, Brian Cunningham Transport provides a one stop shop for all your transport needs. Contact them today to find out more.

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Eamon Martin (Top Oil Fuel Cards), Trevor Hinch, Patrick Farrell (Shop/Store Manager) and Paddy Daly (Top Oil) at the official opening of Hinch’s Mace, forecourt and truck shop

owever, there was one problem that arose from these scheduled breaks and that was where to park lorries, which in most cases consist of an artic pulling a 40ft trailer.

A common sight in Ireland is a truck pulled over on a hard shoulder, but this means that they are no facilities available to them. Truckers were forced to make do with what they had in their lorries and most had to bring their own food and toiletries.

In recent years, there have been a number of truck stops developed around the

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country, but there are still some of the major routes without such facilities.

The Galway to Rosslare route was amongst them up until a year ago, when Trevor Hinch of Hinch Plant Hire saw the opportunity to develop a shop, forecourt and truck stop at his premises in Mountmellick, Co Laois.

Trevor had always noticed the volume of heavy haulage that passed through the Laois town on a daily basis and being situated on the Tullamore road meant that all these trucks were passing his front door.

At the end of September, 2012, the Mace shop and Top Forecourt was opened to the public. With plenty of parking outside, this is the ideal location for truckers to pull in and have a rest and Trevor revealed to Irish Trucker that there are plenty of facilities available to them.

“We cater for trucks with our overnight parking and there are toilets there for them to use. The shop is open from 6am to 11pm, while we have 24hr fuel pumps that can be paid for by any fuel, credit or debit cards,” said Trevor.

“I saw there was an

opportunity there to open a truck stop and filling station.

We are on the main Tullamore to Portlaoise road, which is also the Galway to Rosslare route, which many truckers would be using on a daily basis.

“The premise was built from scratch and is a state of the art facility with the shop serving hot food all day and there is a air conditioned seated area with T.V. for customers to eat their food and just relax. It is ideal for truckers, especially with the parking available where they can take their legally required

A truckers’ haven Legislation was brought by the Road Safety Authority a few years back where drivers were legally bound to take a break after four and a half hours driving. Of course this was to avoid driver fatigue and is a health and safety issue, which drivers must adhere too.

CONTACT DETAILS

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Mountmellick Service Station Townparks, Mountmellick, Laois, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 57 8697760 www.hinch.ie Email: info@hinch.ie

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Patrick Farrell with one of their regular customers

Dragons Den Bobby Kerr cuts the ribbon, l/r: Philip O’Brien (Mace), Paddy Daly (Top Oil), Trevor Hinch, Bobby Kerr, Ava Hinch, Patrick Farrell, Liam Attridge, Eilish Hinch

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hinch designed_Layout 1 18/09/2013 15:18 Page 4

breaks.”

Hinch’s Mace employs 14 people, who are all there to provide a top level service to their ever expanding customer base, which now includes many truckers from all over the country.

Hinch’s are also agents for Gulf Lubricants, which sees them supply oils and lubricants to both the farming and haulage and motor industries as well as the public.

As they celebrate their first anniversary at the truck stop, Trevor admits that he is pleased by the growth of the business in such a short space of time. “We’re tipping along. It’s all about getting the customers and ensuring that they want to come back.

We feel that we are providing a very good service and the general feedback has been very good.

doing that. I suppose word of mouth is the best advertisement you can have

and that has helped us over the past year since we first opened the doors.”

“Our aim is to continue

WISHING MACE MOUNTMELLICK CONTINUED SUCCESS

FROM ALL AT PERK THE COFFEE COMPANY Eamon Martin (Top Oil Fuel Cards), Paddy Daly (Top Oil) and Trevor Hinch

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All of the coaches are 5-star Failte ireland approved

A superior service Fitzpatrick Coaches was established in 1989 by husband and wife Larry and Mary Fitzpatrick. It is a family run business and their son Pascal is now the driving force behind the business and the company is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading Coach Tour Operators.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Fitzpatrick’ providing travel servic

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itzpatrick Coaches has successfully developed and expanded to its current size by ensuring all clients receive a high quality, reliable, efficient and friendly service from initial contact to their safe return home. They are members of The Coach Tourism Transport Council of Ireland and all tour coaches are 5* Failte Ireland approved providing the following facilities – DVD, Toilet, Air conditioning, Refreshments and Wi-Fi. They are active member of the Freight Transport Association and take full responsibility to ensure all staff adhere to regulatory and legislative requirements.

Their fleet of coaches are operated by a dedicated team who are committed to offering a superior service to all their clients. Fitzpatrick Coaches would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank their staff for their commitment and their contribution to the success of their business.

Fitzpatrick Coaches offer a range of vehicles which enables them to cater for large and small groups. The purchase of a new 131 Van Hool vehicle enables them to expand their fleet and provide top quality coaches with first class services on board to all their clients. Pascal confirms his commitment to the business and the industry

F

with pre orders in place for new vehicles to add to his impressive fleet in 2014.

Fitzpatrick Coaches are located in Glaslough, Co Monaghan which is an ideal base for all Airport transfers, City tours, Wedding parties and National tours. In addition they provide a private School transport service in their area and hold a School and Service work contract with a Government body within the North East region.

Pascal confirms “Clients are

tzpatrick’s have been providing a top-class vel service since 1986

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

more price conscience and seek value for money”. Fitzpatrick Coaches pride themselves in providing an excellent service at competitive rates and a large proportion of their client base is from repeat business.

If you provide a good service and look after your customers they will return therefore it is a “win win” situation for both parties.

Their customer base is national and international with the majority of their work in the specialist area of Tour

coaching, Corporate transfers and Sporting packages.

In addition to Fitzpatrick Coaches they are a fully bonded Travel Operator and trade as SoccerTours.ie.

With the introduction of SoccerTours.ie in recent years this has contributed to their continued success.

They now reach a much wider audience as a recognised Tour Operator.

Fitzpatrick Coaches and SoccerTours.ie have utilised

Fitzpatrick Coaches offer a private bus hire service to get you to and from any event

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Best Wishes To Fitzpatrick Coaches, From

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Continued success to Fitzpatrick Coaches, from

Best wishes to Fitzpatrick Coaches, from

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Wishing Continued Success To Fitzpatrick Coaches, From

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6 Clanbrassil St., Dundalk, Co. Louth.

T: 042 9336744 F: 042 9351104 E: info@malone.ie Best wishes to Fitzpatrick Coaches

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www.irishtrucker.com 84

potential

performance

profitability

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

fitzpatrick designed_Layout 1 18/09/2013 17:21 Page 4

social media, print media and the internet Pascal states “Having a presence on the internet allows us to gain access to potential and future clients”.

They are continuously seeking new and innovative ways to improve their business by way of upgrading

The family-run business boasts a fleet of nine luxury coaches

vehicles, use of technology and training to ensure they provide the highest standard to their clients. Mary has attended numerous trade fares within Ireland, New Zealand and the USA. Pascal predicts a stable outlook for the remainder of 2013 and envisages a continuous increase for 2014. He actively promotes Fitzpatrick Coaches and he never misses the opportunity to increase their market share.

He is confident he will increase their Tour operating service with their international client base and promote Ireland as a desired and enjoyable holiday destination.

His aim for the family business over the next five years is to continue to expand and have a stronger presence in the market place with offices based in Monaghan, Cork and Dublin.

As a result he will increase their fleet size and staff numbers therefore creating employment in this area of expertise.

Pascal’s final comment “We are a family business and pride ourselves in providing a personal and professional service”.

Continued success and best wishes to all at Fitzpatrick Coaches IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To Fitzpatrick Coaches From

0044 28 38390272

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roviding a reliable and affordable service, Callanan Couriers has established an excellent reputation for itself over the years, developing a solid clientele in the process.

Founded in 2000, a flexible service is provided and Callanan Couriers can respond swiftly to individual requirements such as timesensitive tender document delivery and specials on request.

They offer a same-day service to Dublin and surrounding areas, with vans and trucks departing Kilkenny daily at 6am and 10am,

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door courier delivery and collection services are also provided nationwide.

Callanan Couriers is ADR compliant and guarantees on-time courier deliveries, with storage facilities also available. They are also available for deliveries anywhere in Ireland, any time but Kilkenny – Dublin is the main focus.

Reflecting on the genesis of the business, founder Michael Callanan notes: “I started out in 2000 with one van and built it up from there.

I had been an agricultural contractor for a number or years prior to that and I kept

down in order to concentrate fully on the courier service.”

Michael is pleased to report that the family business has grown pretty much from the word go: “Even through the current economic climate, Callanan Couriers has grown.

We run from Kilkenny to Dublin every day, six days a week and we can deliver anything from an envelope to a full pallet. We are extremely flexible and will get all our deliveries to their destination on time. If that means getting to Dublin for 12 midnight or 4am, then so be it. Hours don’t mean anything. We are here to provide a service and

Don oversee a fleet of six vehicles: three jumbo Transits, a Volkswagen Caddy a 12.5 tonne Volvo and a 7.5 tonne Iveco. In terms of fleet maintenance, they are all well maintained.

Some of the jobs are handled in-house while the trickier jobs are contracted out to a local garage.

“Maintenance of the fleet is very important and all the vehicles are kept in tip-top condition all the time. We also keep them clean and in tip top condition. A dirty truck or van reflects badly on the business.”

The addition of two trucks to

Lucky for some Thirteen years since its inception, Kilkenny-based family business Callanan Couriers is in a stronger position than ever, providing retail and commercial customers with a same-day Kilkenny-Dublin delivery service six days per week and also operating a nationwide service whenever required. Irish Trucker popped into the company HQ at Ballyfoyle, five miles from Kilkenny city, and got an insight into the operation from father-and-son team Michael and Don Callanan. providing both pick-up and drop-off solutions.

CONTACTDoor-to-

DETAILS

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Callanan Couriers the fleet last year means that we are on call 24/7.” that business going for a Ruthstown, Ballyfoyle, Co. Limerick they can now tackle literally Today, Michael and his son while, but gradually scaled it Tel: 056 7767785 Mobile: 086 2545191 (Michael) 086 3881072 (Don) Fax: 056 77 67501 Email: mcallanancouriers@eircom.net www.callanancouriers.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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any job - with the same professionalism, care, efficiency and attention to detail guaranteed at all times.

“When we bought the Volvo, we decided to hold onto the Iveco as well because of an increase in work. It also means we have a lot of potential to increase our capacity.”

Don Callanan has been involved in the family business since finishing college in 2002: “I became more heavily involved over the past seven or eight years as we got busier and it’s pretty much hands-on now,” he says.

“We run a very closeknit operation. A team of six is employed and we are lucky to have such great employees. Two of our six employees would be neighbours of ours so it’s nice to have people from the local community working for you. Our drivers are reliable, courteous and have a great knowledge of the road network. We can handle literally any job.”

Looking to the future, he is confident that

The firm is on call 24/7

there is still room for further expansion: “It’s still growing and we’re always on the look-out for new business. We’re flexible and we are open to new contracts.

We can provide storage and warehousing and purchasing the trucks has opened up a whole new avenue of possibilities to us. One of the trucks is in Dublin early every day, while the second is out on the road most days.

“Costs are high, of course, but the business has grown through the recession. We bought the smaller truck first but

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

then, due to an increase in business we realised that we could do with a bigger one.”

The fantastic roads network also helps, with a travelling time between Kilkenny and Dublin city of less than 90 minutes.

“We’ve been fortunate in that we’ve always had very good customers, which we are very grateful for. A lot of the deliveries would be time-sensitive and we will deliver these whenever they need them delivered. We are very flexible, are always contactable, and would have no problem doing

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Best Wishes To Callanan Couriers, From Mark Webster

WEBSTER’S GARAGE 24 Hour Breakdown & Crash Recovery

All Makes Cars, Vans & Light Commercials Recovered & Repaired TYRES SALES & TRACKING Lawnmower Sales & Repairs | Diagnostics For Most Vehicles

Threecastles, Co. Kilkenny

Tel/Fax: 056 7767476 | Mobile: 087 2882280 Email: webstergarage@eircom.net

25A Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny Office: 056-7720 957 / 056-772 0976 John: 085-166 8492 Derek: 085-737 7825 CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO ALL AT

CALLANAN COURIERS Continued success to Callanan Couriers, from

MARK MURPHY MOTORS email: markmurphymotors@eircom.net

www.markmurphymotors.ie

Clifden, Clara, Kilkenny

Tel: 056 77 26030 Continued success to all at

Callanan Couriers from

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Callanan Couriers is a family run business

a run to Dublin on a Sunday if required. People like to be able to count on same-day delivery.

“When you dial our number you get either me or Michael on the phone, not some answering machine, a personal touch goes a long way.”

Which is more important – service or price? According to Michael: “The service is very important, but so is price. You have to look at both. We enjoy a lot of repeat business and that has been instrumental in the growth of the business.

When you provide a good service, people are prepared to pay for it. But they like to get a good price, too, and you have to make sure you are offering your customers value for money. We find we are very reasonable for the service we provide” Callanan Couriers deliver a lot of parts to garages and motor factors, local farmers and an array of industries – people who need to get their deliveries as soon as possible, be it a pallet of paper or a part for a machine. They also deliver bloods to hospitals and, needless to say, you have to handle this kind of consignment with extreme care. All the drivers are ADR compliant which is required.

“That’s the approach we’ve always had, no matter what the product is. Since the business started out we are

confident of saying that no goods or parcels have ever been mislaid or damaged upon delivery and we are proud of that fact “We also handle a lot of valuable items, fragile pieces and furniture so we have to be careful with these deliveries. Once you treat every delivery with the utmost care, then you won’t go too far wrong.

“On top of that, we would never overcharge or be greedy. We value our customers and we look after them as best we can. We are very reasonable with our rates and we value the customers who do a lot of work with us and that’s the reason we feel we get repeat business off them” All things considered, Don Callanan is optimistic about the future prospects of the company: “I’m confident we can continue to grow the business. We’ve been very busy since purchasing the two trucks last year and I see room there for further expansion and improvement. At the moment we are building a new office at our HQ in Ballyfoyle and we also hope to increase our warehouse facilities, so I can only see us moving upwards.

“We have very good customers and we are very thankful for that – without them, we’d have nothing and that’s something we always bear in mind.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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captions

Vehicles can be recovered from anywhere

owever, a lot of this stress and strain can be taken away by recovery companies who deal with the aftermath of an accident. One of the leaders in this field of expertise is Newry based Craven Recovery Services.

For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker we profile this family run business and speak to managing director

H

Caroline Craven about the success that they achieved since the company was first established five years ago.

Although only five years in existence, there are many years’ experience in the business as Caroline took over the Recovery Services of Newry business from its owner, having worked with the firm for many years beforehand.

Caroline’s son Jamie came on board and he also helps run the business on a day to day basis. Craven Recovery Service now provides an exceptional 24-hour recovery service for cars and light commercials throughout South Down and Armagh.

Caroline admits that it was difficult starting off on her own, even though the customers were already

there. “It was very difficult starting off and it took a lot of hard work and investment to get the company where I wanted it to be,” she said.

“Thankfully though we have maintained the customer base that was there and added some more, while we are always looking at ways of improving the business. In this industry you have to be maintain a high standard.

Craven Recovery: The specialists Accidents are something that we all strive to avoid, but unfortunately they occur especially in vehicles and this can lead to a lot of stress and strain for people.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Craven Recovery Services (NI) Ltd. 33 Downshire Road, Newry, BT34 1EE Tel: 028 302 66235 Fax: 028 302 63051 Email: info@cravenrecovery.com

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“We are involved with 18 different clubs including the P.S.N.I and the GRG accident scheme. We are also contracted to do work for all the major insurance companies.”

Caroline revealed that they pride themselves in taking the hassle out of an accident.

“Being involved in an accident can be one of the most traumatic experience of a person’s life regardless of how much damage is done.

We are there to ensure that the customer is looked after and they can rest assured that their vehicle will too. We have a secure compound that has security cameras all over, which are linked back to a monitor in my house. This gives customers the peace of

An impressive view of the Craven Recovery fleet

mind knowing that their vehicle is in a secure location.”

Caroline and Jamie have worked hard to ensure that their customers are given a high level of service and they have all the certs necessary to carry out their daily duties.

In this line of business, no corners can be cut and no chances can be taken. To this end, Craven Recovery is fully certified and does everything in compliance with existing

legislation and recommendations.

“Health & Safety are of paramount importance,” she confirms. “You have to be clearly visible when you’re out on the road and you have to keep all the equipment fresh, clean and in prime working order. Image is everything so we look after our fleet.

“We would have all the relevant certs including the ISO and Pas 43. We are

learning all the time and the drivers go on refresher courses once a year to help keep up to date with any changes in legislation.

“All the clubs that we are involved with carry out annual inspections and everything down to the clothing has to be in order or they will take their business elsewhere.”

The fleet comprises of four recovery vehicles which are all fitted with trackers. The vehicles are serviced

Craven Recovery take the strain out of an accident

Continued Best Wishes To Craven Recovery Services, From

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www.cmpireland.com 90

Best Wishes To Craven Recovery Services

Conveyancing Litigation Family Wills Criminal Proceeds of Crime 10 New St., Newry, Co. Down BT35 6JD T: 028 3025 4950 | F: 028 3025 0184 E: info@mmdsolicitors.co.uk www.mmdsolicitors.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

craven designed_Layout 1 18/09/2013 17:01 Page 3

Health and Safety is paramount when recovering a vehicle

premier recovery/breakdown operators in Ulster.

Caroline is pleased to report that they are reasonably busy at the moment. “We’re busy enough. Things have picked up in the last six months or so, which is encouraging.

“We’re available 24 hours a day to recover anything from a moped to a light commercial. We can recover a vehicle from literally

regularly and health and safety checks are carried out on a daily basis. The fleet is kept modern and is changed every few years.

A full 24-hour service is provided, seven days of the week, 365 days per year. As well as five full-time operators, a professional, prompt and affordable

service is provided at all times and Craven Recovery is renowned for getting the job done on time every time.

As the company’s stellar reputation spreads, they are benefiting from more and more business through word of mouth. Simply put, Craven Recovery Service is now established as one of the

anywhere – the roadside, out of a bog or wherever it might be stranded. Our equipment is very versatile and for that reason the work can be quite varied.”

As for the future, Caroline concludes: “We’ll try to keep our overheads down, keep the money coming in and offer as much help as possible to the people who need our service.”

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Best Wishes To Craven Recovery Services

John Tinnelly & Sons Limited ESTABLISHED 1959

Best Wishes To Craven Recovery Services

Newtowncloughogue, Newry, Co. Down BT35 8LZ t +44 (0) 28 302 65331 f +44 (0) 28 302 68491 e info@tinnelly.com www.tinnelly.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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DJ McGorman was established 14 years ago

t was almost preordained that Declan McGorman would spend his life in the haulage industry. Fourteen years ago, he established DJ McGorman & Son Ltd., having been heavily involved in the sector for many years prior to that.

“I come from a haulage background and my brothers would all drive as well,” he notes. “I did a lot of driving myself on the continent, working all over Europe. In the late ‘90s, I saw an opening to start up my own business and I just decided to go for it.”

Reflecting on the

I

opportunity that presented itself at the time, the Tyrone man continues: “I started drawing steel for Hibernia Steel Products Ltd. in Drogheda – and I’m still doing that today. Indeed, about 80% of my work would still be with them. I started out with one truck - a 113 Scania - and have built the business up from there.”

Today, Declan oversees a fleet of eight units. Five of these are drawing steel with Hibernia, while he has two more operating out of Luton in the UK, doing refrigerated work. His son Kevin takes care of business in Luton,

where he also runs two trucks of his own, bringing the UK fleet up to four in total.

A legacy going back to the very first day of DJ McGorman & Son Ltd. is that Declan leans towards Scania.

Of the existing fleet, he operates five Scanias, while one of Kevin’s units is also a Scania. (The remainder of the fleet is made up of Volvo and DAF.) The reason for this preference is quite simple: “The drivers prefer Scania so we try our best to keep them happy,” the founder notes.

In terms of employees, Declan provides gainful employment to four drivers

here in Ireland and two more in England as well as himself, his son and his daughter, Sinead McMahon.

So, what exactly does the steel haulage work entail?

Where is the steel collected from and delivered to? “The steel is used predominantly for the manufacturing industry. We collect it in Drogheda and Warrenpoint and deliver all over Ireland, mostly into Northern Ireland.

We use flat trailers for that work. The steel goes nationwide and nine months of the year we also backload straw from the south to the north for P & M Agri Supplies,

Men of steel DJ McGorman & Son Ltd. was established 14 years ago by Tyrone man Declan McGorman, who hails from a strong haulage background and provides an unrivalled service. Operating out of Ballygawley, the family-run company has gone from strength to strength since its inception. Irish Trucker caught up with the founder / proprietor to take a closer look at this exceptional operation.

CONTACT DETAILS

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DJ McGorman & Son Ltd. 24 Grange Park, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone BT70 2LU Tel: 028 8075 8915 Fax: 028 8075 7233 Mobile: 077 7972 9203 Email: mcgormantsp@hotmail.co.uk

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Part of the impressive DJ McGorman & Son fleet

Fintona, County Tyrone. We also deliver machinery for Conor Engineering, Tubber, County Clare throughout Northern Ireland.”

The flatbed trailers are built to specification by SDC and carry steel in all its various forms: beams, plates, angles, flats, box sections, coils etc. “They’re standard trailers,” Declan adds. “One of them goes out to 20 metres in length, but the most you’d ever need is 18 metres.”

Declan maintains a very fresh fleet, with all his lorries being 2005-registration or younger. All the trucks and trailers are kept in pristine condition at all times. “We do some of the smaller jobs inhouse but the vast majority of the work is contracted out,” Declan reveals. “For this, we are

Best Wishes & Continued Success To DJ McGorman & Son

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Best Wishes To DJ Mc Gorman & Son From

McFarland Ltd

Best Wishes To DJ McGorman & Son, From

Sales | Service | Rental | Import & Export

SPECIALISE IN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE & TRAILER REPAIRS

Unit 6B Charlemont Ind. Estate, Moy, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7SD

T: 028 87 789775 F: 0704 3083722 M: 07780 665737 E: sales@nrtrucks.com

Breakdown & Recovery Service 52 Drumduff Road, Beragh, Co.Tyrone

T: 028 80758413 F: 028 80757227 M: 07774727107

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To DJ McGorman & Son From

Best Wishes To All At DJ McGorman & Son From

P&M Agri Supplies Importers of English Hay & Straw

Specialist In Personal And Corporate Tax Advice 2 Church Street, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone BT70 2HB Tel: 028 8556 7573 | Mob: 07756 435 777 Email: kieran@magillaccountants.co.uk

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Specialise In Hay & Straw Bales & Kiln Dried Saw Dust For Dairy Cow Cubicles 5 Legamaghery Road, Fintona, Co. Tyrone

Contact Peter 07776 141436 Contact Mark 078945 33233 Telephone/Fax: 028 82841578

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Best Wishes To DJ McGorman & Son Ltd

2 Grange Park, Ballygawley, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT70 2LU

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88 Crossmore Rd., Keady, Co. Armagh BT60 3JY T: 028 37531791 M: 077 3648 7900 E: franciecurry@yahoo.co.uk | www.fcurryandsons.com

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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lucky to have two good men on board. Trevor McFarland in Beragh looks after the majority of the maintenance and servicing, including all the trailer work, while Toal Truck Services in Middleton, County Armagh also works on the lorries for us.”

DJ McGorman & Son Ltd. provides a top-quality, punctual and professional service at an affordable rate, using a modern fleet of wellmaintained trucks and trailers. The founder says the vital final piece of the jigsaw is his drivers: “Having good drivers is very, very important.

It’s everything. For example, Mickey O’Connor from Warrenpoint was one of the very first drivers to join me and he’s still here over ten years later. When you get good drivers, you try to hold onto them – there’s no substitute for experience.”

Looking to the future,

Declan says he won’t be getting overly-ambitious.

Consolidation will be very much the name of the game, in keeping with the economic conditions that prevail.

“The plan is to keep going as we are,” he confirms. “If we can achieve that, we’ll be happy. It’s very hard to plan ahead in this business because you genuinely don’t know what’s around the corner or what way the economy is going to turn.

“But things have picked up a little bit in the last couple of months and hopefully that’s a sign of things to come. 80% of our overall work is in the North and the steel haulage is still very busy here as there’s still quite a bit of construction activity. All in all, we’re happy enough with how things are going and we’re quietly confident about the future.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To DJ McGorman & Son From

F&M Transport Specialise In

REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT IN IRELAND, UK & ACCROSS EUROPE 5 Church Street, Middletown, Armagh Mobile: 07917011800 or 087 9884411 Fax: 028 37531788 Email: f.m.transport@hotmail.co.uk

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Portlaoise Diesel Injection diagnose and repair all kinds of diesel systems

Ireland’s premier diesel specialist Operating out of a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility in the midlands, Portlaoise Diesel Injection Ltd. is No.1 in Ireland when it comes to diagnosing and repairing all kinds of diesel systems. Irish Trucker dropped into the busy New Road workshop and got a status report from administrator Siobhan Love, who told us that the business is expanding and going very well at present CONTACT DETAILS

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Portlaoise Diesel Injection New Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: 057 8621024/8622713 Mobile: 086 8954350 Fax: 057 8666363 Email: info@portlaoisedieselinjection@hotmail.com www.portlaoisedieselinjection.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

portlaoise designed_Layout 1 19/09/2013 12:28 Page 2

The company cater for every make, model and brand

smoke testing (and pre-NCT emissions testing); removal and refitting injector pumps and injectors; and repair of all types of diesel injector pumps.

On a daily basis, the trusty team at Portlaoise Diesel Injection services Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Zexel, Stanadyne and Siemens diesel systems.

While the majority of customers are made up of garages requiring specialist services, they also deal directly with the general public, providing solutions on all makes of diesel cars, vans, trucks and tractors.

Managing Director John Brennan boasts over 30 years of experience of working with diesel systems and he and his staff possess the skills, equipment and knowhow to repair all pumps and injectors on-site, in their own workshop, where a crew of twelve is on hand – including five mechanics / technicians and f o u r ortlaoise Diesel Injection Ltd. is an independent fuel injection specialist that uses state-of-the-art equipment and tools to diagnose and repair all types of diesel engines, pumps and injectors. They also supply and remanufacture parts from all leading fuel injection brands, as well as supplying actual pumps and injectors.

The range of services available at the company’s well-appointed, modern facility at New Road, Portlaoise includes (but is not limited to): diagnostic testing (using a fullequipped clean room test lab);

dedicated diesel technicians.

In order to remain up to speed with the ever-changing make-up of modern diesel engines, John oversees a strategy of constant investment in new test equipment and tools.

Operating three common rail test benches for pumps and two for standard mechanical pumps, Portlaoise Diesel Injection has the capacity to cater for every make, model and brand.

With one of the largest diagnostic set ups in Ireland, Portlaoise Diesel Injection Ltd. uses only genuine parts in its repairs and offers pick-up and delivery as well as full credit card payment facilities.

Regarding the genesis of the company, Siobhan Love told us: “John has been working with diesel systems for more than three decades but he has been running Portlaoise Diesel Injection for twelve or thirteen years and set it up as a limited company in 2007.

John’s son

P

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company ha diagnostic ses one of the largest t ups in Irela nd

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Best Wishes & Continued Success to

Portlaoise Diesel Injection Services from

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Sean is also working alongside him in the family business.”

A nationwide service is provided but, as Siobhan goes on to explain, Portlaoise Diesel Injection’s expertise is known much further afield – on the other side of the globe!

“We specialise in literally anything to do with diesel – pumps, injectors, engines. As well as the workshop, we have a test area upstairs where we can identify any fault on a pump or injector, which we then repair ourselves. Our service covers all diesel vehicles, including trucks, cars, vans, tractors and generators.

“We have customers from all over Ireland, but we also deal internationally, sending pumps to places as far away as Australia and Africa.”

Siobhan estimates that around 80% of customers would be in the trade (garages, predominantly), while the rest are made up of members of the general public.

“Our technicians and diesel mechanics would all be fullyqualified and they participate in regular refresher courses to update their skills. In this line of work, everything has to be updated on an almost monthly basis and we use only the latest and most sophisticated equipment.

“There is ongoing investment and our systems are constantly being updated.

Diesel engines are changing all the time and you have to

keep up to date with the technology and components that are going into them.”

One of the reasons why Portlaoise Diesel Injection Ltd. are so popular is due to their extremely high success rate when it comes to diagnosing and repairing problems, something which has spread nationwide by word of mouth to the point where their service is in constant demand.

“We can provide solutions to all problems,” Siobhan promises. “If we can’t repair it straight away, we will order in the part. If the worst comes to the worst, we can supply new pumps and injectors but 90% of anything that comes in here is repairable and we have the expertise to tackle any problem.”

Looking to the future, Siobhan says John and his team won’t be deviating too far from their current course of action: “We have found our niche and business is good,” she concludes. “We are happy to keep going as we are.

Things are very steady and that’s a good position to be in.

“We have relocated to this

facility within the last year and we have taken on more people; we’re still going strong. We’re well known in this business and we have a strong customer base already, but of course we would welcome a few more. If we could get more customers on board, we’d be more than happy.”

Best Wishes To Portlaoise Diesel Injection Services from

Best Wishes To Portlaoise Diesel Injection Services, From

PORTLAOISE AUTO ELECTRICAL New Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

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Wishing Continued Success To

Portlaoise Diesel Injection Services Contact Emmet Byrne T: +353 (0)45 838700 F: +353 (0)45 902601 M: +353(0)87 625 1182 E: ebyrne@adslimited.ie

Repair Parts Distributors

Unit 3c, Clane Business Park, Clane, Co. Kildare.

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f you happen to attend a truck show anywhere on this island, chances are you will see Patrick Lafferty Jnr. of Multicrete Precast Concrete Ltd. there. Patrick

I

participates in practically all of the shows and more often than not he goes home with an award or two propped up beside him in the cab.

This doesn’t just happen by

fluke, of course: fact is the Multicrete Precast Concrete fleet is maintained in immaculate condition at all times, despite the gruelling nature of the work these

trucks carry out and the poor condition of the roads in the North West.

The pride the Laffertys place in their vehicles epitomises the attention to detail and

An award-winning, concrete service Multicrete Precast Concrete Ltd.is an award-winning family business that was established by Pat Lafferty in Killygordon, County Donegal in 1994. It was awarded the best business of the year in 2007 by the Donegal County Enterprise Board and the award was proudly accepted by Pat, which led to an article being written in the national newspapers in relation to his business and the award. The company manufacture and supply all types of concrete products. Today, almost twenty years since its inception, this family business is still going strong, offering top-quality products, providing employment to a team of 20, and operating a fleet of ten trucks. Irish Trucker caught up with the founder’s son, Patrick Lafferty, to get an insight into day-to-day activities at Multicrete Precast Concrete.

CONTACT DETAILS

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Multicrete Precast Concrete Ltd. The Bower, Killygordon, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9149103 Fax: 074 9149531

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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thoroughness that has seen their business thrive for the best part of two decades already.

Manufacturers of general precast and pre-stressed concrete products, as well as concrete septic tanks, Multicrete’s full list of products includes (but is not limited to) L walls and V walls, ready mix concrete, 1,500 gallon water storage tanks, cattle slats, support beams, safety slats, retaining walls, dwarf walls, septic tanks, paving slabs, lintels, sills, posts, kerbs, coloured garden stone, prepacked sand and pre-packed gravel.

Reflecting on the formation of the company, Patrick notes: “My father Pat set the business up alongside my mother Joan in ‘94. It’s very much a family business with the three of us involved now.

We manufacture and supply all kinds of concrete products to the agricultural and construction industries.”

While the majority of customers would be from within the greater Donegal catchment area, Nation-wide service is provided as and when required with some products now being exported to England and Scotland. The

hub of the operation is a wellappointed, state-of-the-art five-acre site in Killygordon, from which the Lafferty family operate a fleet of ten lorries, including five ready mix trucks, two off loaders, two tippers and one tractor unit.

Model-wise, the fleet comprises seven FM Volvos as well as one Scania, a DAF and a Hino. Why the preference for Volvo? “They are extremely reliable and they are great for this kind of work,” says Patrick. “This is extremely hard work on lorries – with heavy weights, harsh road conditions. You need a strong truck and we find that Volvo fits the bill.”

Multicrete Precast Concrete Ltd. handles all of its own haulage inhouse, with no need for a d d i t i o n a l subcontractors.

They also draw in all their own raw materials including bulk cement, steel, sand & gravel. When it comes to fleet maintenance, the approach is very much proactive as opposed to reactive. In terms of servicing, upkeep and repairs, local commercial vehicle specialist John Lawn

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The family bu was establishe siness d in 1994

Truck & Trailer Repairs ensures that all the vehicles are performing to their optimal levels at all times.

“The reliability of the trucks

i s paramount and it’s vital that we make sure there are no breakdowns or delays of any kind when they’re out on the road. We have to make sure that all our customers are happy and this means operating a fleet that’s in top condition at all times,” explains Patrick.

“In this line of work, a problem with a truck could be disastrous.

The products we are carrying are time sensitive and you only have a couple of hours to play with at most.

If you get held up unnecessarily, both the load and the lorry could be ruined.”

Patrick Lafferty has been bringing Multicrete Precast Concrete’s impressive yellow-andwhite lorries to truck shows island-wide since 2010.

“We won Best Overall Working Truck at Irvinestown last month and we were highly-

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multicrete designed_Layout 1 18/09/2013 17:49 Page 4

commended at the Belfast Truck Show last year,” he comments. “Then there’s the North West Truck Show in August and, of course, the Full of the Pipe is the big one every year.”

Patrick exhibited three trucks at this year’s Full of the Pipe show in Cavan Equestrian Centre on June Bank Holiday weekend and went home with six trophies: first and second in the construction class; second in small fleet; first in the full-blown construction truck category; and first and second in the best rigid class.

You don’t win these awards by chance – you earn them.

Unbelievable work has to be invested into the preservation of the fleet and that doesn’t mean for a few days in the

run-up to each show!

“There’s a lot of work all year around, both for ourselves and for the drivers,” Patrick confirms. “We take care of the trucks all year around and in fairness the drivers take a great interest in it, too. My dad deserves a bit of credit too for allowing us to take the lorries to the shows.”

Winning awards at truck shows reflects extremely well on any company.

It underlines a dedication and commitment to quality that customers and potential customers alike will appreciate. An operator who takes pride in his fleet will always be preferable to one who doesn’t.

“As far as I’m concerned, every one of our lorries has to

captions

be in top shape seven days a week from January through until December,” Patrick continues. “Obviously, it’s not as easy in the winter but we don’t let that stop us. We keep them clean and it’s a good way of advertising the business. The trucks are out on the road representing our company every day and if people see nice clean lorries then they will associate that with a good product.”

Looking to the future, Patrick

Lafferty Jnr. is confident that Multicrete Precast Concrete will continue to go from strength to strength: “We’ll be in business 20 years next year and we have a good name, a good product and a good service. I can see it getting bigger and better. You have to think big. We have an excellent fleet there at the moment – 06, 07 and 08s – and there’s plenty of work left in them yet. We’re in a strong position and we’re optimistic going forward.”

Best Wishes To Multicrete Concrete, From

Cappry, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal Tel/Fax: 074 9130555 | Mobile: 087 8243772 E: twintownoils@eircom.net | www.twintownoils.com

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Best Wishes To Multicrete Concrete IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

105

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Conference hears call to double investment in infrastructure to avoid ‘serious long-term consequences’ Delegates at a major two-day conference in Dublin on transport heard that the country faces ‘long-term serious consequences’ if the rate on investment in our transport infrastructure is not doubled.

Speaking at the conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) to mark the visit to Ireland of its International President Dr Dorothy Chan, Institute President Finbarr Cleary spoke of the need to “double investment, prioritise maintenance and renewal of the existing road and rail network, and restart project planning for the future.”

Total transport spending by the Department of Transport has fallen from €3.7billion in 2008 to just €1.3billion this year, while capital spending has dwindled from €3billion at its peak to €800million today.

“While this scale of reduction is understandable in the middle of the economic crisis, it is not sustainable in the medium term,” explained Mr Cleary. “Today we are not spending enough even to maintain and renew our existing network, let alone invest in necessary new projects.”

He contended that failure to double spending would result in serious long term consequences, with inadequate maintenance leaving roads vulnerable to damage, especially in harsh weathers. “If we fail to spend enough, our roads and railways will quickly deteriorate, reliability of public transport will suffer, and disruption and congestion increase. It will cost us a lot more to rectify the problem later.

He emphasised the need to get more out of the existing network, through measures such as better traffic management on roads, improved signalling on railways, more bus priority in cities and better use of information technology. The Chartered Institute recently published a paper calling for the introduction of bus rapid transit in Irish cities and welcomed the possibility of the NTA developing 3 bus corridors (Swords Airport - City Centre, Blanchardstown - UCD, Clongriffin Tallaght).

Looking to the future, the Institute warned that project planning has been ‘cut to virtually nothing’ and that congestion will soon become a problem once economic activity resumes. “The competitiveness of our supply chain will be threatened and so, in turn, will our exports. It will be too late to only then restart project planning,” said Mr Cleary.

Dr Chan, formerly Deputy Commissioner of Transport for the Hong Kong Government, is addressing delegates on Women in the man's world of transport and on sustainable transport systems. She is credited with helping develop a world-class public transport system for Hong King, catering for 11 million trips daily.

Other topics to be covered at the series of events being hosted by CILT include the Logistics and Transport Response to Humanitarian Crises and how Ireland can best serve the growing Asia-Pacific region. The National Transport Authority, Irish Army, Irish Aviation Authority, Hewlett Packard, Diageo and Wright Group are among the key players taking part.

The logistics and transport sector employs over 85,000 people in Ireland, accounting for 4% of the labour force. The Chartered Institute of Logistics is the independent international body for individuals and companies associated with logistics and transport, with over 33,000 members in more than 30 countries.

Logistics firms deliver at Race Around Ireland DHL Express Ireland raced against time in a different way at Europe’s most challenging endurance event, with the support of fellow logistics firm BDA (Bespoke Distribution Aviation).

On Sunday 15th September, a team of cyclists, all volunteers from DHL Express, dubbed ‘DHL Speed of Yellow’ participated in ‘Race Around Ireland’ in aid of The Irish Cancer Society.

During the event the ‘DHL Speed of Yellow’ team sported the logo of BDA as one of their sponsors. The DHL Express team took on this staggering 2,100 kilometres non-stop cycle challenge around Ireland and crossed the finish line at top speed, the same way it completes on-time delivery of goods for companies every single day.

DHL Express Ireland has worked with BDA for a number of years, and by sponsoring DHL Express in this arduous challenge, BDA took the opportunity to give some support back in the form of sponsorship to one of its key customers and help raise money for a cause very close to its heart.

The Race Around Ireland is a part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association’s World Cup series, which includes other high endurance races such as The Race Across America. DHL Express has entered a team of eight cyclists who will be assisted by a support crew, to not only attempt to complete the challenge of travelling non-stop, day and night, for 2,100km but also collect as much money as possible for this worthy cause.

This is not the only time that BDA has contributed support to its country of origin. BDA specialises in delivering time-criticallogistics throughout the UK and Ireland and serves mainland Europe through its key hub locations in Maastricht, Frankfurt, Coventry and Dublin. The company is well connected to Ireland and sponsored the Great British Ball Hockey team earlier this year in a sport that originated from traditional Irish hurling. Sponsorship towards the Irish Cancer Charity of DHL Express not only enables BDA to support one of its key integrators but it also gives the company a chance to contribute towards a great cause in its homeland.

Steve Court, Sales Director at BDA said: “We were delighted to sponsor DHL Express and, in doing so, help to support a very worthwhile cause. DHL Express faced a massive task and its team made sure that they had their route well planned and the speed and determination required to reach the finish line, displaying many of the traits that make our every day working relationship so successful.”

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