Tell UK to end levy on Irish truckers – or there'll be no funding for A5, hauliers say
The hauliers are subject to a reintroduced heavy goods vehicle (HGV) levy in the UK when operating in the North.
There is no reciprocal levy on Northern Ireland or UK-based hauliers operating in the Republic.
All HGV operators are currently required to pay a £10 levy for any day a truck travels on a main road in the UK, or face fines of up to £300 and the potential impoundment of vehicles.
Removing the levy would boost cooperation and integration across the island
Northern Ireland's Department of Finance collects the levy from Irish-based operators crossing into the North daily.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, an annual total of €39.7m was collected, with an average monthly revenue of €3.3m generated from these levies at the 15 official border crossing points
In a briefing document sent to Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, the hauliers said that they welcomed the Government's support of the A5 upgrade project – an infrastructure development aimed at improving regional and all-island connectivity between Donegal and Monaghan.
'Considering the Irish Government's proposed financial investment in the A5 project, we strongly urge that any such funding be conditional upon the abolition of – or, at a minimum, a formal derogation from the UK HGV levy for Irish-based hauliers transiting through or operating within Northern Ireland,' it said.
'It is inequitable and counterproductive that Irish hauliers are being charged to use infrastructure they are helping to fund.'
It added that removing the levy would boost cooperation and integration across the island and 'strengthen North–South economic relationships'.
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The Irish Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Feared warlord's mob ‘behind Irish aid worker kidnap' as 8 & tot, 3, still missing and latest gang talks details emerge
In a statement, the Tanaiste said he asked Haiti's Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste 'that everything is done to ensure the release of Gena and the other hostages' ASSOCIATES of notorious Haitian gang boss Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier are believed to be behind the kidnapping of Irish aid worker Gena Heraty and eight others from an orphanage, it has emerged. The warlord, a former police officer, controls the Viv Ansanm gang, a group formed in September 2023 as a coalition of gangs between the two main factions operating in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, G-9 and G-Pep. Advertisement 5 Gena Heraty was kidnapped in Haiti Credit: Social Media Collect 5 Haitian gang boss Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier's mob is believed to be behind the plot Credit:5 Simon Harris said he has been keeping in close contact with Haiti's Foreign Minister Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire The group, based in the Kenscoff area of the city, provides a platform for criminal groups to use violence to destabilise the Caribbean country and quash actions aimed at restoring state control. Viv Ansanm has launched coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure in Haiti, including prisons, government buildings, and the main airport in Port-au-Prince as part of a campaign that, among other things, forced the resignation of former Haitian prime minister Ariel Henry last year. Thousands of people have lost their lives in gang violence in the troubled country in recent years, which shares with the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Tanaiste Simon Harris said he has been keeping in close contact with Haiti's Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste in a bid to secure Gena's and the others captives' release. Advertisement RTE News reported that contact has been made with the gang involved in the kidnapping, with phone calls between the mobsters and intermediaries on the ground in Haiti. However, a lack of functioning government in the country has made communication difficult. The kidnapped group, which included a three-year-old child, were snatched during a violent raid on the Sainte-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff on Sunday. Gena, originally from Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the facility, which is about 10km southeast of the capital Port-au-Prince. Advertisement She is one of a family of 11, most of whom are living in Mayo. They have expressed their gratitude for all the prayers and support but do not wish to speak to the media at this time, while negotiations are ongoing. 'VERY DIFFICULT AND STRESSFUL TIME' In a statement, her sister Mary said the family had been assured by the Government and various voluntary organisations and charities that they are doing everything in their power to have her and the other captives released. Father John Kenny, the administrator of Westport parish, said Gena's family are 'very appreciative' of the support they have received since she was abducted from the orphanage. Advertisement He described it is 'very difficult and stressful time for everyone' He said: 'Well, we were shocked first of all to hear the news, and we kind of suspected it might be Gena because she has such a high profile in our community. FAMILY 'ON TENTERHOOKS' 'We do a lot of fundraising for her charity in her home parish, Cushlough and here in Westport, for the orphanage in Haiti. Everyone is expressing their concern and solidarity with the members of her family, who are very upset and naturally on tenterhooks.' He said he met her when she was home last autumn and visiting local schools. Advertisement Fr Kenny added: 'She met the young people there, the children who were fundraising for her cause. And you could see her beaming with energy and enthusiasm about the work she does, as opposed to looking for credit, just looking to help out the people in need in Haiti.' Communities around Westport and Ahagower have been holding prayer vigils for the safe return of Ms Heraty and those abducted along with her from an orphanage in Haiti. WHO IS WARLORD BEHIND KIDNAPPING? Photo byJIMMY 'Barbecue' Cherizier is considered the most powerful warlord in Haiti and is currently believed to be one of the country's most powerful political figures. In early March 2024, his gang staged the largest jailbreak in Haitian history and escalated attacks across the country, including an attempted siege of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Cherizier claimed responsibility for the attacks and stated that the goal was to capture key government institutions, overthrow the unelected acting prime minister Ariel Henry and become more powerful in Haiti, warning that 'if Ariel Henry doesn't step down and the international community continues to support him, they will lead us directly to a civil war which will end in genocide.' Henry announced resigned within weeks of Cherizier's threat. Haiti has lacked a fully functioning Government since then and the criminal gangs have continued to run riot. Gang violence and kidnappings are also common in other areas in and around Port-au-Prince, where the UN says armed groups control about 85 per cent of the city. In the first half of 2025, UN figures show that almost 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti. At least 3,141 people were also killed in the same period, the UN Human Rights Office said. NPH International, a charity that works with for orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children in Latin America and the Caribbean, also called for the release of the hostages and said it was doing all it could can to help bring them home safely. Fr Kenny said supporters also had an opportunity to console Ms Heraty's family at a prayer service in Westport. He added: 'They were there in great solidarity and great numbers... cars were everywhere, and people were gathered and quietly prayed and met with the family afterwards. Advertisement 'The family are very appreciative of the support and very conscious that people are praying in support of them.' Fr Kenny said Gena is 'not one for the spotlight' but loves talking about her work and has always been greatly supported by the local community when raising funds for the orphanage. 'GREAT HUMAN BEING' He added: 'You could see her beaming with enthusiasm and energy around what she does, but like I said, never looking for the credit to herself but always drawing attention to herself. 'That's just the nature of the person she is. A wonderful, generous, caring and compassionate person - a great human being.' Advertisement Ms Heraty is a member of Viatores Christi, a lay missionary group which has its headquarters in Dublin. In a statement, they said she has dedicated her life 'to children and adults with disabilities through her leadership of NPFS's special needs programme'. 'PLANNED ACT' The organisation praised her 'commitment, compassion and steady presence', saying she has 'made a lasting difference to many families in the region'. 'We are thinking of Gena, her family and colleagues, and the adults and children in her care,' the statement added. Advertisement Attackers broke into the orphanage at about 3.30am (7.30am Irish time) 'without opening fire,' according to Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean, describing it as a 'planned act'. The attackers had broken through a wall to enter the property, before heading to the building where Ms Heraty was staying. DIPLOMATS' EFFORTS Diplomats stationed in Dublin; Washington DC and London are leading the efforts to secure the release of the hostages. Norma Lopez, a friend and colleague of Ms Heraty, said she is calling for her safe return, so she can continue 'her good work in Haiti'. Advertisement 'Specifically people with special needs, this is her focus because it is a big need in Haiti. 'Working with her she is always thinking, 'what else can we do?'' she said. 'MOST HORRENDOUS OF ORDEALS' Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris held talks with his Haitian counterpart about the abduction of Ms Heraty. In a statement, the Tanaiste said he asked Haiti's Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste 'that everything is done to ensure the release of Gena and the other hostages'. Advertisement Mr Harris said Mr Jean-Baptiste had 'assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals'. 'We have agreed to stay in touch about the case, which remains extremely sensitive. 'My officials in the Department of Foreign of Affairs and Trade are in constant contact with the Heraty family. When we have further updates, we will provide them.' 5 Thousands of people have lost their lives in gang violence in the troubled country Credit: EPA/PATRICE NOEL Advertisement
Irish Times
18 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Donohoe delayed approving sale of State's final shares in AIB
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Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Could Conor McGregor really become the President of Ireland?
Conor McGregor announced in March of this year that he wished to run for the Irish presidency. And just days after losing a high-profile civil rape case appeal, the MMA fighter has launched a petition to get on the ballot paper. The Irish Presidential Election is imminent as Michael D Higgins' term ends on November 11 after 14 years in office. While a date has not yet been set, it must not be more than 60 days before this date, with the country likely to go to the polls in October. McGregor voiced his presidential wish just days after he visited US President Donald Trump at the White House for St Patrick's Day. In recent years the controversial fighter has emerged as a figure-head for the far-right and said he wants to be president as 'Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness'. As Donald Trump took up a second term as US President earlier this year, it isn't crazy to imagine a high-profile celebrity turning their head to politics this side of the pond. We have seen a rise in well-known figures trying to get into Leinster House- such as veteran criminal Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch and TV star Gráinne Seoige. So, could McGregor have a chance? Can McGregor simply put his name in the hat for the Irish presidency? No, he can't. While the people of Ireland vote for the president, it isn't a simple process to get your name on the ballot. It's a very different process compared to the local or general elections, where any Irish citizen over the age of 18 can run for council and anyone over 21 for the Dáil. To be eligible for election as President, you must be an Irish citizen over the age of 35 and be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four of Ireland's 31 local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can also nominate themselves. Has the MMA fighter been nominated for presidential candidacy? No, McGregor has not yet been nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. Out of 134 politicians who answered a question from Sky News if they would nominate him, not one said yes. There are 235 members of the Oireachtas, 174 TDs and 60 senators. Labour TD Duncan Smith said: 'I could not think of anyone more unfit for public office.' Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe said 'there isn't a snowball's chance' he will get elected, while an unnamed deputy said: 'He's a misogynist and a thug. On behalf of the women of Ireland he can f*** off." And it wouldn't appear that McGregor will have much luck with local authorities, as these are also mainly run by politicians affiliated with parties. Some councils, such as Westmeath County Council, have been vocal that they won't back the MMA fighter. Is Ireland really considered a democracy if nominations are needed for presidency candidacy? McGregor has hit out that Ireland isn't truly a democracy because of the nomination hurdles that are in place for the Irish presidency. While The President of Ireland might sound like the top of the political ladder, it primarily serves as a ceremonial head of state. They do have some significant constitutional powers, including signing legislation into law. However, they do not have the same executive powers as the leader of the government, the Taoiseach, who is nominated by a majority vote in Dáil Eireann. If McGregor hasn't been nominated, why has he relaunched his bid this week? McGregor says he is so determined to get his name on the ballot that he wants to change the nomination process. In a social media post, the Dubliner said 'the current constitutional framework presents a significant barrier to democratic participation.' He has launched an online petition calling for Irish citizens at home and abroad to 'have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot'. As of Tuesday evening, it had just under 10,000 signatures. If the Dubliner did get his name on the ballot, would he have any shot at winning? It doesn't seem likely. According to a poll by the Irish Mirror, only 9% of 4,616 respondents believe McGregor would be a good president for Ireland. Some 90% said he wouldn't be, while 1% are unsure. Particularly after he was found liable of sexual assault by a jury in a civil court, McGregor is not well liked in Ireland. Professor of political science at Trinity College Dublin, Gail McElroy, told Sky News there is 'close to zero' chance that the people of Ireland would vote for him. She said: 'There are people with right-wing views or populist views or anti-immigrant views but not enough to affect McGregor. It would be a small minority vote. He's so far out. There are many, many candidates ahead of him. "His reputation in Ireland has always been less glowing and the (civil) case certainly hasn't helped. The general view is that Nikita Hand was very brave and very impressive and very strong.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
