The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) opened its 54th Annual General Meeting and Conference on Friday at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry, drawing delegates and industry stakeholders from across Ireland for a two-day gathering.

Key topics on the agenda include high operating costs, driver shortages, fuel price pressures, and the long-term transition toward fleet decarbonisation. Addressing the sector's outlook, IRHA President Ger Hyland highlighted the financial burdens facing commercial operators and called for sustained government support to cushion hauliers against fuel volatility and safeguard national supply chain stability.

Political leaders and policymakers are scheduled to address delegates across the conference program. Kerry Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae speaks on Friday evening, followed by Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú on Saturday afternoon. Minister for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport Darragh O'Brien TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney TD are set to deliver key addresses during the event's gala dinner on Saturday evening. Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly and Independent TD Carol Nolan are also in attendance.

Alongside policy discussions and trade sessions, the conference features an exhibition of commercial heavy goods vehicles, trailers, and transport technology, as well as a vintage truck display celebrating Ireland's haulage heritage.