The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has issued a scathing response to the recent announcement of yet another increase in road tolls, including on the M50 and other major routes across the country.

This marks the third toll hike in just 18 months, a move the IRHA describes as "hugely detrimental" to Ireland's most essential industry, which facilitates 98% of all imports and exports.

Speaking on behalf of the IRHA, President Ger Hyland said: "These toll increases are catastrophic for an industry that keeps Ireland alive and moving.

“Hauliers are the backbone of the economy, working 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure goods reach their destinations. Without us, there would be no exports or imports.

“Yet, we are being held hostage by the Government with these relentless charges."

The IRHA added that the toll hikes come as a “devastating blow during the busiest season for hauliers, with Christmas demand pushing the sector to maximum capacity”.

Licensed hauliers are currently paying an average of €20,000 per month in tolls, according to the association, which Hyland says is unsustainable.

"The M50 motorway has been long since paid for, and it is high time the Government introduced toll exemptions for licensed hauliers on this motorway at a minimum.

“A reduction in tolls across the board on all other routes as well for our industry is critical to ensure we can keep Ireland moving.

“If hauliers go out of business, the country's economy will grind to a halt," Hyland warned.

The IRHA is also calling attention to a raft of additional cost increases set to hit the sector in the new year.

From January 1st, the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) will rise by 15%, compounding previous increases in fees for drivers' licenses, learner permits, and other essential certifications.

The IRHA criticized the Road Safety Authority (RSA) for "dire operational performance" while reaping the benefits of these fee increases.

"We are dealing with a Government that seems intent on squeezing essential businesses dry," Hyland said.

"From skyrocketing tolls to ever-increasing fees, all this is happening against a backdrop of extreme cost-of-living pressures faced by ordinary people.

“It is utterly shameful that these measures have been introduced without any meaningful consultation with our industry."

The IRHA has emphasized that the road haulage sector is a commercial reality, not a charity, and warned of severe consequences if the industry's viability continues to be undermined.

With over 4,000 licensed hauliers, 80,000 drivers, and 40,000 trucks on the roads, the sector is not just vital to Ireland's economy—it is indispensable.

Hyland also pointed to the Government’s failure and slow responses to address previous and current crises, such as the Holyhead port delays and the Dublin Airport passenger cap, as evidence of its inability to manage critical infrastructure effectively.

"The Government’s actions are unforgivable. They are piling pressure on an industry already stretched to its limits.

“If they cannot manage their own crises, they should at least avoid creating new ones for those of us who keep this country running," Hyland concluded.

The IRHA is calling for an immediate reversal of the toll increases and a freeze on upcoming fee hikes, along with a commitment to consult with the road haulage industry before introducing future measures.

Failure to act, the Association warns, could jeopardize Ireland’s entire supply chain.