There is a huge amount of work to be done before Irish hauliers consider stepping down plans for nationwide protests, against growing fuel charges, according to the body representing drivers.

The Irish Road Haulage Association, meeting with Department of Transport officials last week, said they had received a commitment that there will be a clampdown on illegal operators.

The government has also pledged to lobby in Europe for reduced fuel tariffs in the industry, according to the association.

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Fuel blockades and protests have been taking place across Europe in recent weeks, including England.

IRHA spokesman Jimmy Quinn said drivers in Ireland were equally unhappy.

Rogue hauliers have now been warned by the Revenue Commissioners that drives to detect illegal motor fuel usage are to be stepped up.

A move welcomed by the IRHA, which has stressed the need to put rogue operators out of business.

In this year alone, marked mineral oil has been discovered in 471 fuel tanks.

There have also been seizures of laundered fuel, green diesel and Northern Ireland kerosene totalling over 57,000 litres.

See: Fuel Cost Cut Unlikely, Says Hauliers

(PR/JM)