A group of disaffected hauliers planning a major protest at both the M50 and Dublin port will go-ahead despite fears of traffic chaos, it was announced this evening.
The Road Transport Association (RTA) — a group made up of hundreds of former Irish Road Hauliers Association (IRHA) members — has organised a major protest campaign on Tuesday against the ban on large trucks driving through the capital.
It is also demanding the abolition of haulier tolls on the M50 and the appointment of a Haulage Industry regulator. Between 400 and 500 trucks are set to block one lane of both the northbound and southbound carriageways on Tuesday morning from 6am near the toll bridge, with rolling stoppages also planned for Dublin Port from 5am.
Despite the likely commuter chaos, RTA spokesman Michael McMahon said the group was highlighting the traffic problems felt not only by hauliers but by all M50 motorists on a daily basis.
"That's one of the problems. But when you're back is to the wall, there's always going to be repercussions.
"I feel people's lives are being juggled to get around the problem of traffic on the M50."
Mr McHugh said the group would continue its stand for as long as it would take.
The protest is expected to involve hauliers driving in slow convoy to the M50 and blockading two lanes, while rolling stoppages will take place at Dublin Port.
On February 19th last, Dublin City Council banned all trucks with five axles or more from travelling along Dublin's Quays, forcing them on to the Port Tunnel and M50.
The RTA argues that the HGV strategy has led to major hold-ups on both the north and southbound carriageways, delays which are hampering hauliers in completing their work.
The major protest does not have the support of the IRHA, which has said it would inconvenience ordinary commuters. Gardai said consultations with the RTA were ongoing and that a public statement would be issued before Tuesday.
AA Ireland said it was very concerned that innocent motorists wouldcould be caught up in the disruption
"We have spoken to the Road Transport Association and urged them to pull back from this protest and to highlight their legitimate concerns in another way", said public affairs manager Conor Faughnan.
"Everyone is suffering on the M50 as the roadworks are carried out. But the upgrade work needs to be done. Issues like the new toll arrangements after the NTR buyout is completed in August of 2008 are very important, and both motorists and hauliers will no doubt discuss those issues with the next government."