The Republic of Ireland's logistics sector has been given a well-deserved boost with the launch of FTA Ireland (FTAI) at a ceremony held at Dublin Castle today. Founding members of the new, multi-modal trade association include some of the largest businesses in Ireland as well as prominent Irish transport companies.
FTA Ireland has been established by the Freight Transport Association in response to requests from these businesses to help them raise the profile of responsible and efficient logistics practices in the Republic of Ireland.
Chris Welsh, General Manager at FTA and responsible for establishing FTA Ireland, said:
"FTA Ireland aims to replicate the role and service in Ireland that FTA provides for its members in the UK. Members of FTA Ireland aspire to the same high standards of safe, efficient and sustainable operations and membership is open to all transport operators and logistics buyers in Ireland. We are pleased to be supporting Irish business in this way and helping responsible companies to demonstrate high standards of commercial vehicle operation to the Dublin Government and the Irish public."
FTA Ireland will give Irish businesses a new opportunity to present their combined views on transport policy. This will be agreed at regular member meetings. With its multi-modal perspective, FTA Ireland will also provide a voice for businesses involved in the maritime and ports sector as well as aviation. As it develops, FTA Ireland members will also benefit from a suite of high quality information services provided by FTA and designed to cater for their needs, including the clear interpretation of Irish and EU legislation and access to regular news and information bulletins.
Welsh continued:
"FTA Ireland is an autonomous organisation that will have its own Board and policy making committees and will develop its own channels of communication with the Irish Government and other policy agencies. It will benefit from the stewardship and capabilities of FTA, including its range of information and support services, but it will be an Irish voice for Irish logistics."