The Irish Road Haulage Association has said it is ready to take to the streets and launch a French-style protests.

The association is hoping to force the government into fuel tax concessions.

According to hauliers their sector is facing a crisis not experienced since the early 1970's.

The association's main concern is that many of its members are reportedly only weeks away from going out of business.

-- Advertisement --

Groups in the industry have described the current Irish situation as a 'Doomsday scenario'.

Haulage firms are in "meltdown" according to commentators, with expected losses expected to hit millions nationwide, if the government fails to take action.

The association has given a negotiation deadline of 27 June to find a "meaningful" subsidy outcome.

"Ireland will not have a transport sector if our members do not receive proper rates for their work," IRHA president Jimmy Quinn said.

Yesterday, representatives of the association met Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to discuss rising fuel prices.

The Minister previously said the government would not make any move on duties levied on fuel.

(PR/JM)