Hauliers defer decision on fuel action

Road hauliers have deferred a decision on whether to stage blockades over high fuel costs.

Members of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) were told at a meeting in Athlone, Co Westmeath, last night that some progress had been made in talks with officials from the Department of Transport.

Two months ago, the IRHA threatened blockades in protest at the rising cost of fuel, which it says is set to drive many hauliers out of business.

IRHA president Mr Jimmy Quinn said then there was "a hunger for radical action" among members of the association.

Hauliers across Europe have recently staged blockages over fuel costs.

A decision on any action has now been deferred until September to allow for talks to progress.