Irish Trucker magazine July 2011

For a country so young in terms ofcolonisation, people tend to forget howold Australia really is. Some 40000years ago, civilised indigenousinhabitants roamed its fertile lands andas anyone who has ever looked at apiece of coal before will tell you, withthe passing of time comes richesbeyond your dreams. The Australianresources and mining industry hasbeen growing for so long now thateven the recent global financial crisis(or GFC as they call it over there)couldn’t affect it that much. There wasa minor blip in the Australian economy,sometime in early 2009 but then, whenthe rest of us had to deal with bankingindustry bailouts and IMF bigwigsmuscling their way into Irishsovereignty, Australia shrugged off thisminor blip and got on with thebusiness of growing again. In the pastdecade, one of the most significantsectoral trends experienced by theAustralian economy has been thegrowth of the mining sector (includingpetroleum, liquefied natural gas andiron ore) and a major consequence ofthat is the requirement for skilledworkers to work within this industry.The boom has caught them bysurprise to a degree, with industryexperts predicting there will be a needfor an additional 40000 skilled workersto work on resource industry relatedprojects by the end of next year.

For the most part the resourceprojects are based in WesternAustralia, North Western Australia andQueensland and with the massivedownturn in the construction industrytaking place here over the last 3years, skilled migrants from Irelandhave been taking advantage of thisresource boom ‘down under’ torelocate their families lock, stock andbarrel to the southern hemisphere.They have happily reinventedthemselves in a society that’s notburdened with a general malaise andundercurrent of ‘doom and gloom’running through it. People who havemade the move to date have beenunanimously positive, realising that ifthey hadn’t taken the plunge, theymight still be here twiddling theirthumbs, waiting for a flailing economyto turn itself around, unsure, if orindeed when that actually might

happen. As it stands they’re happy,their kids are happy and in goodschools, with everyone enjoying thejoys of outdoor life that Australia hasto offer; and the money at the end ofthe month isn’t too shabby either!

Globester Recruitment, a specialistemployment agency with offices inDublin and Cork, has been workingwith a large number of Australiancompanies over the last few years andhas become something of an expert in

the placement of skilled trades peoplesuch as Plant Mechanics and TruckMechanics into companies based inthe resources sector, particularly inWestern Australia. As ChiefOperations Officer John Duffy says,“The opportunities out there are trulylife changing and having dealt closelywith the companies themselves, I canvouch for their absolute commitmentto ensuring that new employees andtheir families assimilate well intoAustralian society and are happy to bethere. These companies travel 12000miles to be here for interviews so Idon’t think they’d do that if thereweren’t serious about what they aredoing”.

To date Globester has placed over30 Plant and Truck Mechanics intotheir clients in Western Australia, andas Duffy says, that’s just the tip of theiceberg. “To be honest, we have 3companies travelling to Ireland fromPerth over the next 2 months and if wehad 40 excellent, time servedmechanics, they’d all have fantasticnew jobs to go to in Australia in themorning. We are facilitating therecruitment programmes for thesecompanies while they are here, so ifanyone thinks they have the right skillsand want to make the move, then wewant to hear from them”.

Globester Recruitment can becontacted in Dublin on 01 417 9652(ask for John) or at their newly openedCork office on 087 133 6008 (ask forMatt). If you are an experienced DieselPlant Mechanic or Truck Mechanicand are looking to move to a warmerclimate (in more ways than one), thenwhy not put a call through toGlobester, who will be more thanhappy to discuss these open positionswith you in more detail. Globester’swebsite is www.globesterjobs.comand for more information regardingliving and working in WesternAustralia, please accesswww.migration.wa.gov.au also.

70

Golden opportunitiesin God’s Country

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Part of the helpful team

42

A1 is top of theclass


However, having thecapacity to diversifyinto other areas is

essential in the currenteconomic climate and that'swhat Belfast based A1 BatesySkip Hire Ltd. has managed todo and we speak to TransportManager Barbara Mitchellabout the company's ongoingtransformation.

A1 Batesy Skip Hire Ltd. wasestablished in 1996 by brothersGary and Thomas Bates andthey specialised in the hiring ofa wide range of skips to boththe private and commercialsector.

Over the years, thecompany's reputation forreliability and competitiveprices saw them involved insome of the biggestconstruction jobs in NorthernIreland, which they continue tothis day, which include the ObelTower and the Grove to namejust two.

The provide a range of skipsfrom the four tonne midi to the6ft roll on/off, while top soil isalso delivered and collected,which adds to the list of servicethat this progressive business

provides.With 30 highly trained

employees on the books, A1Batesy Skip Hire Ltd. ensuresthat any customer will not bewaiting any longer thannecessary for their skip to bedelivered and Barbara stressedthat they are keen to continuesupplying a top quality serviceto their large customer base.

“The skip hire business hassuffered in the last few years,which is mainly due to thedemise of the constructionindustry, but we still provide ourwide range of skips to many ofthe top construction firms inNorthern Ireland,” said Barbara.Nonetheless the main focus isnow on the waste transferstation that the company hasbeen operating for the past twoand a half years, which since oflast August has been a majortransformation within thecompany.

“We are currently undergoinga major relaunch in theredevelopment of the entirebusiness. We acquired a newtelephone number, launched anew website and spearheadeda major advertising campaign

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 43

Due to the demise of the construction industry, the skip hire business hassuffered the consequences also and it has become a tough industry for allinvolved to survive.

Service you can depend on

including a radio advert on local

station Cool FM.

“There is a major investment of

money in changing the company's

image and we are in the process of

changing the name to A1 Batesy Skip

Hire Ltd. However at the moment we

are using both names.”

Barbara revealed that the waste

transfer station located at 1 Duncrue

Pass, Belfast has undergone a major

redevelopment, which the company

are busy promoting at the moment.

“The waste transfer station has been

expanded and we can now accept a

wider range of wastes of which 95% is

recycled with the remaining five

percent sent to landfill. Customers

can also bring their waste to dump in

the waste recycling transfer station for

a cost from £60+VAT per tonne. We

have invested in new plant at the

facility also as well upgrading the

existing facilities.

“We are also seeking our ISO 18001

having already obtained the 14001

and 9001. We cover all areas of


The company is 15years on the road

44


Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire From

Specialising InLANDFILL • SKIP HIRE • RECYCLING • RDF • MRF

Landfill Site56 Craigmore Road, Ringsend, Garvagh, Co. Derry BT51 5HF

Tel: 028 7086 8844 Fax: 028 7086 9137Mobile: 077 6483 0001

Email: [email protected]

Skip Hire - Waste Recycling - Waste Haulage

129A Coolkeeran Road, Loughguile,Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT44 9JL

Tel: 028 2764 1575 Fax: 028 2764 1505

www.coleraineskiphire.comWORKING TOWARDS A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

Continued Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire, From Continued Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire From

MULTI-DISCIPLINARYENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

Unit 41 Mallusk Enterprise ParkMallusk Drive, Newtownabbey BT36 4GN

Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 830077E: [email protected]

www.mclorinanconsulting.com

Continued Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire From

FANTEC MECHANICALSERVICES

Screen & Crusher RepairPARTS & SERVICE

Dungannon

Mobile: 07837464417

ARMAGH IND BEARING SUPPLY LTDStocking All SCREEN & CRUSHER

bearings skf fag fsq etcsome surplus screen & crusher parts in stock

Tullygoonigan Ind Est., Moy Road, Armagh

Tel: 028 37511449

Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire From

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com

41 Dobbin Rd, Portadown, Co. Armagh BT62 4EYTel: 028 3833 7333

East Twin Rd., BelfastHarbour Estate, BelfastBT23 9ENTel: 028 9045 7556

Belfast and through our extensive fleetwe can transfer waste to and from thestation.

“All the staff are trained to theWamitab Level 4 standard and havethe necessary experience to performtheir duties to the highest standard.There is a lot of legislation to beadhered to in the waste transferstation and it is essential thateverything is properly documented.”

As regards to the company fleet,DAF is the preferred choice of vehicleas it is felt that they are the mostreliable truck on the road and TBFThompson provide all A1 Batesy SkipHire Ltd. fleet.

“We have been dealing withThompsons for a number of years nowand we have a very good workingrelationship with them. They wouldlook after all our maintenance as welland we are regularly adding to thefleet.”

Waste management is a verycontentious issue and there is muchlegislation to be adhered to in theindustry, all of which sees every pieceof scrap monitored until its finaldestination, whether that be recycledor landfill.

“The legislation regarding wastemanagement is changing all the time.Gary looks after the day-to-dayrunning of the waste transfer station,while Thomas looks after all the legalaspects of the business.”

The time and effort put in by allinvolved over the last few months asthe redevelopment of the businesstakes shape has not gone unnoticedand Barbara revealed that the

transition has went relatively smoothly.

“I think the general opinion in the

restructure of the business has gone

very well. It has been a long process

and there is still plenty to do, but we

are achieving our goals and targets.”There is

plenty ofcompetition inboth the skiphire and wastemanagementindustries, butA1 Batesy SkipHire Ltd. looksto have thestructure inplace toprovide anefficient,reliable and

customer friendly service to its large

customer base.Over the past 15 years, they have

worked hard to build up a steady tradeand now they are there, the aim is tomaintain and improve on that level ofconsistency over the coming years.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS46

The company name is changing to A1 Batesy Skip Hire Ltd

Cork Dublin BelfastMob (087) 2835044 (087) 2597102 (0791) 2631524

www.hipower.ie

G.T.E. Heavy DutyAutomatic Greasing forTruck, Trailer, Off Road

P.T.O. Systemsfor All Applications

Heavy Duty Axial PistonPumps for Crane and High

Pressure Applications

Superwinch and Husky Winches

• Also Top Speed Limiters • Reverse in Safety Devices

Full Range of Hydraulic Power Packs, Pumps, Motors,Control Valves, Oil Coolers, Filters

Continued Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire, From

Continued Best Wishes To A1 Batesy Skip Hire, From

COUNTRYSIDE TRADING

Authorised Distributors39 Rathdallan, Well Road, Warrenpoint, Co. Down BT34 3UQ

Telephone: 048 41773233 Email: [email protected]

There are fewer lines ofbusiness more demanding thanan international transport

service, but somehow Patrick Brennanand his loyal drivers at BrennanInternational Ltd have continued tomake it work for over 23 years now.

Based in Steamboat Quay, Limerick,the company employs 10 workers andwas founded by its current MD PatrickBrennan, who has been the driving-force towards its success throughthree decades now.

“We’re established since 1988 herein Limerick”, explained Patrick. “Wehave nine working here full-time andone person part-time. I’m theManaging Director of the company.

“Basically, what we do is dry andrefrigerated haulage throughoutIreland, the UK and Europe. The

places we transport to in Europewould mainly be Germany, Belgium,Switzerland, The Netherlands andSpain.

“It was 1994 before I first starteddoing work outside Ireland and I wasgoing to Manchester twice a week.That was the first year that I bought anartic truck and it was ’98 before Iemployed a second driver at BrennanInternational.”

After employing his first driver,business continued to grow fromstrength to strength at PatrickBrennan’s company and over the nextdecade eight more drivers would joinas Brennan International Transportbegan to make its mark acrossEurope.

Now Brennan International Transportoffers an extensive transport of cargo

both to the United Kingdom andmainland Europe. The expressgroupage service includes daily backand forth from Ireland to the UK, withDry Freight and Hazardous cargo.

The company’s Mainland Europeservice sees them make trips toFrance, Belgium, Holland andGermany, with three weeklydepartures from their base atSteamboat Quay, Limerick.

A reliable service has seen BrennanInternational Transport maintain loyalcustomers all over Ireland andthroughout the continent. Even in thecurrent tough climate for business,Patrick says that there is no shortageof work for his business but admitsthat the rising fuel costs are what mostaffects his and other businesses in hisline of work.


Still going strongComing up on 25 years since its establishment, Brennan International Ltdis still continuing to offer its customers an extensive internationaltransport service, covering the UK, Europe and Ireland. Irish Truckerspoke to the company’s Managing Director Patrick Brennan, to find outmore about his business.

47

Brennan International has beenestablished since 1988

“At the moment we’re busy enoughin fairness,” Patrick stated. “Theexports out of Ireland are up, butimports to Ireland have slowed down.

“I have had the same customers thatI’ve had since 2004, but the bigproblem at the moment is the price ofdiesel and it’s something that thegovernment should be doing moreabout.

“The government‘s take is too high,especially when you look at how thecost has gone up since the last twobudgets. I think the Carbon Levy

should be scrapped at the moment.This was done when the barrel was$80 and it’s now $115 dollars.

He added:” They could afford to takea bit less and try to keep the price to alevel. They should have a kind of‘more when down, and less when up’policy on fuel prices.”

Such has been the harsh rise in fuelcosts that Patrick has travelled furtherafield to fill up his trucks. Doing thishas seen him make considerablesavings on fuel costs for his fleet, andhe pointed out that his company isn’t

the only one in Ireland availing ofcheaper fuel across the continent.

“At the moment I would be doingmost of my filling in Belgium, which ismuch cheaper – around 10 per cent,I’d say, “explained Patrick.

“Before the huge rise in fuel inIreland, I was giving €400 in dutyevery fill (X 8 a week) to this countryand that’s now gone because the risein prices is just too much. Thegovernment should have a system,because we’re being hit twice as hardin this country: between the fuel costs


Brennan International Transport offersan extensive transport of cargo

The company provides dry andrefrigerated haulage throughout

Ireland, the UK and Europe


Shannon, Co. ClareMobile: 086 8500007

Best Wishes ToBrennan International Ltd

HARRY WALDRONInternational Haulier

Continued Best Wishes To Brennan International Ltd From

Tim Duggan InsuranceFor All Your Insurance Needs

17 O’Curry Street, LimerickT: (061) 404600 E: [email protected]

Tim Duggan Insurances is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Droumtrasna, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.Tel: (066) 7141140 • Fax: (066) 7141777.

Delighted To Be AssociatedWithBRENNAN INTERNATIONALLTD

T. Nolan & Sons Ltd.

Continued Best Wishes To Brennan International Ltd From

PAT HICKEYTRUCK & TRAILER SPARES

For All Your Truck & Trailer RequirementsOvernight & Weekly Van Delivery Services To All Areas

Emergency Number John Hanlon 087 2504334Skehacreggaun, Mungret, Co. Limerick

061 303900 Fax: 061 303899

BBeesstt WWiisshheess TToo BBrreennnnaann IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall LLttdd,, ffrroomm

D.T. TYRESLTD.

24 HOUR BREAKDOWN SERVICEFinniterstown, Adare, Co. Limerick

Tuogh, Adare, Co. Limerick

Tel: 061 396313Fax: 061 396540

Email: [email protected]: 087-7719111

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT

Best Wishes to Brennan International Ltd, From

and the ferry costs surcharge inIreland – UK and UK – Continent.

Patrick says that Irish exports willsuffer over fuel costs and knows that itwill dent business prospects in Europein time. Things are as competitive asever with the current economicclimate.

He stated: “Germany will buy off theBelgian/Dutch instead of us, so weneed to bring down the cost of fuel tothe point where we will be in the same

playing field as Belgium/TheNetherlands.

“The Belgian/Dutch who is sellingproducts in Germany will only dobetter than the Irish in Germanybecause of the cost. I think that’ssomething that needs to be addressedif Ireland wants to stay strong in theEuropean market again.”

Despite the tough times, Patrick saysit’s the loyal drivers in his companythat helps to keep things ticking over

smoothly for his extensive fleet, whichis essential as business becomesmore demanding heading towards thelatter final quarter of the year.

“We have six Scanias, two Volvosand a Mercedes and all in all we havenine drivers and 13 trailers (dry andrefrigerated).

“We have drivers that are veryexperienced. The newest driver Ihave here is with us five years and theoldest is here 13 years. Our driversare very loyal and I’m happy to keepthem here, because it’s not alwaysbeen easy to get good drivers. Mostdrivers have been with the companynearly 10 years and all are livingwithin 20 miles of the base.

Brennan International Transportcontinues to hold its own in theextensive transport of cargo both tothe United Kingdom and mainlandEurope. As part of their professionalservice, the company have ADRTrained drivers, Airfreight Security(Level 3) and roof loading trailersavailable for large machinery (craneloading) and refrigerated cargo.

Brennan International transport ishappy to assist any customer inspecific enquiries.

For more information go towww.Brennan-international.com


Brennan International offersa reliable service

Brennan International has anextensive range of trucks and trailers


Best Wishes To Brennan

International LtdFrom

Limerick Auto Parts & Services LtdT/A O’Shea Auto Electrics

DIAGNOSTICS & FAULT FINDINGON SITE WORK CARRIED OUTBatteries • Starters • AlternatorsReverse Cameras & Sensors • Car AlarmsDock Rd., Limerick Telephone: 061 304141•Mobile:087 2571476

Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Tel: (061) 361046 (6 Lines)Fax: (061) 363340

Wishing Continued Success To Brennan International Ltd

Best Wishes To Brennan International

Ltd

Greenhall Industrial Estate130 Cloveneden RdLoughgallCo. ArmaghBT61 8LE

Tel: 0044 (0) 28 8778 4949Fax: 0044 (0) 28 8778 498024 Hour Phone0044 (0) 7780992841Email: [email protected]

www.derrybros.com

BBeesstt WWiisshheess TToo BBrreennnnaann IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall LLttdd FFrroomm

Tara OilBEST PRICES FOR QUALITY

DIESELAtlas Avenue, Dock Rd., Limerick

Tel: (061) 440077 • Fax: (061) 440144

Authorised Distributor of Texaco Petroleum Products

Best Wishes To Brennan International Ltd From

Donal Morrissey & CompanyAccountants and Business Consultants

Servicing the Haulage Industry since 1993 we specialise in

• Solvency issues - free initial consultation• Revenue audits - get through without pain• Negotiations with Banks & Leasing / HP companies• Haulage Licence applications & renewals• Payroll bureau - contracts of employment, payslips• Drivers on the road expenses calculations• EU VAT reclaims• Bookkeeping, accounting, auditing & taxation

“Best business partner contributing to your business success”Contact Donal at Office on 061 333675

Mobile: 086 2461683 or Email: [email protected] 21 Whitethorns, Castletroy, Limerick.

BBeesstt WWiisshheess TToo BBrreennnnaann IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall LLttdd FFrroomm

www.croompark.ieTel: 061 602866 • Fax: 061 600741

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHTCOMMERCIALS MAGAZINE

Call BARRY now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923

The McDonald Recovery fleet

52

Taking the pain outof breakdowns


McDonald Recovery vehicles have become a familiar sight in Mayo andsurrounding counties over the past few decades. The Ballinrobe basedcompany's managing director Billy McDonald explains more.



McDonald Recovery is afamily run business that hasbeen operational for the

past three decades that begun withjust a transit van and winch, but asthe business grew so too did the fleetwhich now consists of trucks, a van,jeep and motorbikes. Each recoveryvehicle is manned 24 hours a day,seven days by a week highly-trainedand skilled personnel.

Due to the efficiency,professionalism, convenience andaffordability of its stellar services,McDonald Recovery boasts aburgeoning portfolio of prestigiousclients.

“The business was founded in1981," revealed Billy. "Over theyears, we have built up a successfulbusiness. We have contracts withblue-chip companies such as theI.M.A and M.I.S. We also havecontracts with the Gardai. We wouldalso have a good bit of private workto carry out and this could rangefrom crashes right down to someonejust running out of petrol. You wouldcome across a wide range ofproblems on the road.

“The work we do with the Gardaican vary from picking up abandonedvehicles to store vehicles in shedsthat we have. We have the capacityto store up to 200 cars at the yardhere in Ballinrobe and it is a securelocation that is safely guarded to givethe customer peace on mind. Thereis an indoor area available for vehicleinspection purposes and thepremises are secured by 24hr CCTVand alarm system.”

Billy has seen many changes in therecovery industry over the years withnew legislations being introduced ona regular basis. But despite the extrapaperwork involved, he feels thechanges have been for the better.

“Certainly, the introduction of morestringent laws has helped remove the'cowboy' from this industry andanyone trying to get into thebusiness has to have the propercertificates in place. Before this, a lotof operators were not properlycovered with the right insurance, butthat can't happen now.”

McDonald Recovery prides itself onproviding a reliable and efficientservice, which it has been doing for30 years now. Through their expertknowledge, they can take the hassleout of any breakdown and ensure theprocess is stress free as possible.

“Our customers know that whenthey come to us they receive anexperienced and professionalservice. We can be relied upon to dothe job properly. If there's abreakdown or a road traffic accident,we endeavor get to the scene asquickly as possible. We've noticed abig increase in business over thepast seven or eight years. In thattime, we've spread our wings to theextent that we now have a fleet ofrecovery vehicles. Whether it's lightor heavy recovery, on road or offroad it's no problem to us. Weusually hire someone else in to dothe heavy work, so this means weprovide a wide range of services."

McDonald's have the equipmentand machinery to carry out any job

and no vehicle is too big or small anddo what it says on the tin as they area specialised vehicle recoveryservice. Offering a 24hr servicemeans that customers can restassured that in the unfortunatesituation of being broken downanywhere in the country, McDonald'swill be there to assist as swiftly aspossible.

"It is necessary to do this in order toensure that we keep providing a highquality of service to our customers. Ifthey are not happy they will goelsewhere, so it is up to us to makesure that they are pleased with theservice that we provide to them.”

Health and Safety is a major issuewithin the recovery industry and Billyadmits that maintaining the vehiclesis given the utmost priority and allare checked on a regular basis.“Maintenance is a major part of thisbusiness, the recovery vehicles haveto be kept in the best of conditionand we ensure that is the case.Safety checks are carried out on aweekly basis.”

Over the years, a great deal ofmoney has been invested in thebusiness to make sure that the bestservice possible is offered. As for thefuture, Billy plans to consolidate theoperation by continuing to provide afirst-class service that clients candepend on. With a superb fleet ofspecialist equipment at his disposal,a thorough knowledge of this sectorand a proven track record inbreakdowns and recovery, McDonaldRecovery is ideally situated toconsolidate and thrive.

All vehicles undergo weeklyhealth and safety checks


Continued Best Wishes To McDonald Recovery From

Sales & Servicing Of Secondhand Tractors & Light Commercials

MORLEYCOMMERCIALS

Cloongowla Rd, Ballinrobe, Co. MayoOffice Tel/Fax: 094 9541302Brendan 087 6188204 Sean 087 2542476

Best Wishes To McDonald Recovery, From

REMAPPING & CHIP TUNING SERVICEMore Power, More Torque,

More Fuel Economy More Miles Per GallonFull Diagnostics On All Cars & Vans

Servicing & General RepairsAlloy RIM Repairs • DPF Removal

Claremorris Repair Centre

Drumkeen, Claremorris, Co. MayoTelephone: 086 0807288 E: [email protected]

Wishing Continued Success To McDonald Recovery From

KINGSGARAGE CLIFDEN

Specialise In Recovery & Breakdown Services

One Stop Shop For All YourMotoring Needs

Market St., Clifden, Co. GalwayTel: 095 22055 • Fax: 095 22820

Contact Mark King


Breaking All Makes ofCars, Vans & 4x4’s24 Hour Recovery ServiceDAMAGED CARS BOUGHT & SOLDClonbullogue, Edenderry, Co. Offaly

Telephone: 046 97 30115

MIDLAND AUTO SALVAGE


JOE & MARTIN

TYRESABBEY

Abbey St., Ballinrobe, Co. MayoTelephone/Fax: - Garage

094 9542008Contact Joe 087 2646349


AAA EXPRESSWindscreens

www.expresswindscreens.ie

Tel: 1850 200088

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHTCOMMERCIALS MAGAZINE

Call BARRY now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923

“We know what we're about and we'llcontinue to provide the service we'rerenowned for,” he concludes. “Isuppose these are challenging timesfor everybody in Ireland so we'll try tokeep the ship afloat and run the

business as well as we possibly can.”Like all businesses, McDonald's are

planning to continue with the level ofsuccess that they have alreadyachieved and despite the downturn inthe economy, they intend to maintain

and increase their large customerbase.

Billy concluded: We've come a longway over the past few years andhopefully we'll continue to do well andkeep our customers happy.”


McDonald Recovery has beenoperational for 30 years

BBestt WWiishhes TToo

MMcDDoonnaalld RRecoovvery

FFroomm MICHEAL

& MARTIN ROUGHNEEN

MICHEAL & MARTIN

ROUGHNEEN

IRELAND’S LEADING INTERNATIONAL TOURING BAND

THE IRISH KNIGHTS COUNTRY DANCE BANDTEL: MANAGEMENT 087-7982262

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to include editorial and photographs

your company

58

Keeping it greenKeeping it green



Coillte was first establishedunder the Forestry Act 1988,which defines the principal

objectives and duties of the company.All of the shares in the company areheld by the Minister for Agriculture,Fisheries and Food and the Minister forFinance on behalf of the Irish State.Coillte is a commercial companyoperating in forestry, land basedbusinesses, renewable energy andpanel products, with the core purposeof enriching lives locally, nationally andglobally through the innovative andsustainable management of naturalresources. It owns over 445,000hectares of land, about 7% of the landcover of Ireland. Coillte is divided intothree divisions – Forest, Enterprise andPanel Products. Coillte Forestmanages the forests including logsales, harvesting, haulage, planting,and farm forestry services. CoillteEnterprise is the venturing arm of theGroup, which seeks to identify newbusiness opportunities in areas such asrenewable energy, land sales andtelecommunications. Finally, CoilltePanel Products consists of two panel-board mills, SmartPly which produces

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) andMedite which produces MediumDensity Fibreboard (MDF).

Mark Carlin has been Harvesting &Logistics manager in the north-westregion for the past three years, and hasbeen with Coillte for the past 13 years.“We have been in business since 1989and have over 1,000 staff across thethree divisions”, Mark explained.Coillte produce and sell around 2.5million m3 of logs each year, of whichabout 1.6 million m3 is sold to sawmillcustomers. The balance, which ispulpwood, is largely consumed byCoillte’s own panel-board mills.

The harvesting and logistics team isresponsible for harvesting 1.5 millionm3 of timber per year, with the balancebeing harvested by our sawmillcustomers. The team is alsoresponsible for all pulpwood haulage,which comprises of about 0.8 millionm3 or 32,000 lorry movements peryear! All of Coillte’s harvesting andhaulage operations are carried out byindependent contractors. Thesecontractors are vital to Coillte’sbusiness and provide top-classmachinery and services. Harvesting

and haulage tends to be carried out bydifferent contractors, with only a fewbusinesses offering both services.Coillte adopts the Scandinavian cut-to-length harvesting system, whereby aharvesting machine fells, de-limbs andcross-cuts the tree; leaving the logs inthe forest for a forwarding machine toextract to roadside. These harvestingmachines are now extremelysophisticated in that they have moderncomputers on-board that make thedecision on which is the most valuableway to cut the tree. These machinescan also be fitted with GPS to provideinformation on their location within theforest and a GSM modem to allowproduction data to be emailed back toCoillte.

Coillte’s haulage contractors operatewith articulated, rigid and trailer or rigidonly lorries. This mix of lorry types isrequired due to the varying nature ofsome small public and forest roads thatthey have to traverse. It is achallenging environment in which ourhaulage contractors have to operate.The terrain can be difficult due to thefact that these lorries must spend someof the time on gravel forest roads in

When Coillte first commenced trading in 1989 it acquired ownership of theState’s forests, with the core purpose of commercially managing theseforest assets. Irish Trucker spoke to Harvesting & Logistics manager, MarkCarlin, to find out more about the company and their harvesting andhaulage operations.

mountainous countryside. However,our contractors show a great deal ofdedication and skill to successfullydeliver their targets each week.

Coillte’s haulage contractors tend tovary in size within the forest industry,from one lorry owner-driver operationsto companies with several lorries intheir fleet. Coillte operates an opentendering system with which to selecthaulages companies, which leads toone or two year contracts. Haulagerates are normally paid on a rate pertonne basis, and are reviewed everyquarter to take account of variations infuel prices. It has been a difficult timefor the forest industry, includinghaulage contractors, in recent times.The forest industry did not escape the

economic upheaval of the recentbanking crisis, with Coillteexperiencing its worst year in 2009 asthe recession gripped timber sales allacross Ireland, according to Coillte’sHarvesting & Logistics manager. Atthis time timber sales fell sharply asthe construction industry slowed inIreland. This meant that manyharvesting and haulage contractorshad to operate to strict productionquotas, which obviously effected theirprofitability as well. However, adecision was taken to stay inproduction and try to find alternativemarkets outside Ireland in order tokeep the forest industry alive. In thisregard, Coillte actively worked with oursawmill customers to get new markets

in the UK. Thankfully, things havepicked up since then and timber saleshave recovered well since 2009. Atthe moment the forest industry isrelatively strong with a good demandfor logs.

As the key-holder to so many Irishforests and as a commercial forestryand forest products company, Coilltehas to make the final decision as tothe detailed operation of each of ourforest sites. We manage the forestestate according to SustainableForest Management (SFM) principles,as we seek to balance the social,economic and environmental aspectsof our business. In doing so, we wishto engage with local people whichenhances understanding of how ourdecisions impact on all forest usersand on our neighbours and also helpscreate a positive working environment

for staff and contractors. Coillte haveunderpinned these principles byachieving a world-class forestcertification for our managementpractices. We have been certified tothe Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)scheme since May 2001, whichdemonstrates that we are wellmanaged in accordance with strictenvironmental, social and economiccriteria. The certificate is issued forfive years and in 2011 Coilltesuccessfully retained its FSCcertificate following a full audit of itsforests. Successfully managing theenvironment presents some of thebiggest challenges in harvesting andhaulage operations. Many of our



Best Wishes & Continued Success ToCoillte From

J.&N. BARRETT. LTDTimber Transport

Doonamona, Killala, Co. MayoTel: (096) 34178

Mobile: (087) 2581926

Garryduff, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co.Waterford.Telephone: 058-68855 Fax: 058-68104

OUT OF HOURS: 087-655-3220Email: [email protected]

www.dungarvantransport.ie

Best Wishes ToCoillte

Wishing Continued Success To Coillte From

JAMES CONLONTimber Haulage

Flagfield, Geevagh, Co. Sligo

Contact James On 086 2523871

Best Wishes To Coillte From

LIAM MORRISHaulage Ltd

Ballygar, Co. Galway

Contact Liam On

087 2588928E: [email protected]

Wishing Continued Success To CoillteFrom All At

HORGAN BROTHERSTimber Extraction Ltd.

Toames West, Macroom, Co. CorkTel; (026) 46162 • 41747 • Fax: (026) 46383


Newcastle, TyrrellspassCo. Westmeath

Mobile:

(087) 2571760

Ernest Alford LtdPLANT HIRE

Lea, Portarlington, Co. Laois.M: 087 7423754 T/F: 057 8623068 E: [email protected]

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coillte

Continued Best Wishes To Coillte From

FlahertyTransport Ltd.

Derryoober, Woodford, Co. Galway

Tel: 090 9749093

forests are in environmentallysensitive areas and we have totake care of a variety of thingssuch as watercourses,biodiverse areas, flora, faunaand archaeology. These arecarefully managed through thepreparation of environmentalimpact assessments for eachoperational site. The mostsuitable machinery andharvesting methods are thenselected to carry out theoperation.

Coillte also takes its healthand safety responsibilities veryseriously. This is especiallyimportant in difficult operationssuch as harvesting logs andhauling timber. Before everyoperation is started a detailed riskassessment is carried out and controlsare put in place. All of the operatorsare made aware of the hazards andtheir duties in mitigating against theserisks. All operators must be fullytrained and certified for their relevantoperation and regular site monitoringis carried out. As a result of thesemeasures Coillte has an excellentsafety record.

Along with their forestry activity,Coillte also develops and manages arange of other businesses. Theseactivities represent a key part ofCoillte's business and deliver benefitto individuals and communities at localand national levels. Most propertysales are made in response to localdemand and typically comprise housesites, isolated dwelling houses,sections of recently acquired farms,

small outlying forest properties andgravel pits. In addition, some ofCoillte's properties are suitable for thedevelopment of telecommunicationsfacilities, such as masts. Coillte alsoseeks to undertake propertydevelopment projects, includingcommunitydevelopments, tourismdevelopment,industrialdevelopment, andresidentialdevelopment.

Coillte owns asubstantial amount ofland, particularlyupland sites, that issuitable for thegeneration of windenergy. Whilst theprocess of finalising

the precise location of such sites willbe ongoing for a number of years, anydevelopment will be subject to theconsultation procedures consistentwith their consultation policy.However, Coillte are keen to play theirpart in harnessing renewable sources


Best Wishes To Coillte From JOHN RYAN/ BARRY CUDDY T/A

CAMROSSTRANSPORT

Killanure, Mountrath, Co. LaoisTel: 087 1253926 or 087 7595836

TIMBER HARVESTING ANDHAULAGE CONTRACTORS

of energy and further reducing carbonemissions.

As Coillte operate an open forestpolicy, recreation is a very importantfeature of their business. In June,Coillte’s Chief executive DavidGunning and Kieran Mulvey and JohnTreacy of the Irish Sports Councilagreed an extension to the verysuccessful trails and forest recreationprogramme that has been in operationfor the past three years and supportsactive participation in outdoor activitiesand rural tourism.

The initiative, which supports anational technical trails advisor andthree regional trail managers withinCoillte has delivered many new trailand forest recreation projectsthroughout the country over the pastthree years and has also lead to verysuccessful initiatives like NationalTrails Day, which will run again for thefourth year on the 2nd October 2011.

Coillte contributes significantly to theeconomic and commercial life of thecountry through commercial activities,and our environmental managementand recreation opportunities areimportant in making Ireland a betterplace to live and also in supportingrural communities.


John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council with David Gunning, Chief Executive and Bill Murphy, Head of Recreation, Coillte

Continued Best Wishes To Coillte From

LIAM MURPHY

Ballinrobe,Co. Mayo.

TRANSPORT


Padraig ThomasHaulage

Errew, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • Tel: 087 652 1118


Roundwood Timber LTDMoneystown, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow

• Forest Harvesting & Management

• Purchase Of Standing & Roadside Timber

• Removal Of Dangerous Trees• Haulage • C2 Registered

M: 087 2545215 • F: 0404 45346E:[email protected]

Wishing Coillte Every Success In The Future From

GoldspeedTransport Ltd

Specialising In Timber & Bulk-Feed Haulage10 Aylsbury Court,

Ballincollig, Co. CorkOffice: (021 4873798

Richard: (086) 2536553Fionán: (087) 2577145

Email: [email protected]

Fuel Tankers are thecompany’s speciality

64

Road Tankerscelebrates tenthanniversary


Road Tankers Armagh has developed an enviablereputation for the manufacture of high quality fueltankers since its inception in 2001. We speak to

managing director Trevor Wilson about operations at theirKeady based premises.

Road Tankers Armagh specialises in the manufacture ofhigh quality fuel tanks, most notably for rigid trucks. Thecompany is also equally well known for its refurbishmentand remounting services.

Over the past ten years the company has built up asignificant customer base amongst fuel distributors on bothsides of the Border on the back of manufacturing andrefurbishing high quality ADR compliant tanks.

"The majority of our customers would be involved in thedomestic / commercial fuel sector supplying kerosene, gasoil and petrol. We supply a range of tankers in differentsizes and can accommodate the customer to theirspecifications,” said Trevor.

Having made a significant impact in the Republic of Irelandmarket, Trevor has found that the bank's refusal to releasemoney down south has had an impact on the business. “Infairness, we are still very busy and we would have a bigcustomer base down south, but definitely since the bank'sstopped lending , we have noticed a difference.”

Trevor is in no doubt that the best form of advertisementfor them is through word of mouth and potential customersseeing their work in operation. “Most of our sales have beenmade through word-of-mouth or personal recommendation,which speaks volumes for the quality of our tankers. Wehave been lucky in that respect, we haven't had to go outchasing work," he added.

Trevor has more than 21 years' experience inmanufacturing engineering.

The company's core activities are spilt into a number ofdistinct areas, new tanker manufacture, refurbishment ofexisting tanks and finally remounting existing tanks on newtrucks. It also offers ancillary services such as spraypainting, graphics and DOE and PSV preparation. Trevorexplained that all work is carried out to the highest healthand safety standards. "Our new tankers are built to the newADR regulations using only high quality components.Similarly, our refurbished tanks and remounted tanks meetall ADR regulations.”

With its own in-house design service, Road TankersArmagh build to individual customer requirements. "Everycustomer would have a different specification. We work withthe customer from the design stage right through to delivery.That is one of our strongest selling points," he remarked.

The company operates from a purpose-built 4000 squarefoot premises, which is equipped with leading edgeequipment. Welding, cutting and folding equipment and allthe usual machinery that you would associate with amodern engineering workshop is in plentiful supply. "Wehave the equipment to work in steel or aluminium. In thisbusiness you have to have all the equipment.”

Road Tankers' staff are all trained to very high standards,which reflects strongly in the build quality of the company'sproduct range. Trevor is acutely aware of the important rolethe staff play in the ongoing success of the business. "Theyare all highly skilled tradesmen. The quality of their work issecond to none and they play a very important part inkeeping our customers happy."

In keeping with this quality ethos the company only uses


For the past ten years, Road Tankers Armagh has established itself as oneof the leading tanker manufacturers in Ireland and the UK. For their tenthanniversary, Irish Trucker takes a look at the company and its success.

materials and componentsthat are compliant with thelatest ADR regulations. In thatvein, the company's largestock of hoses, reels, pumpsand metres all comply withindustry best-practice. "Wedeal with all the leadingsuppliers in the industry. Weonly use high qualityequipment in the manufactureof our tankers.”

The key component in theprocess - the actual tank - isimported from a leading

supplier in the UK. Oncethe design of the tankhas been agreed with thecustomer, the wholemanufacturing processtakes about three weeksto complete.

"A turn around time oftwo weeks would beexceptional for this typeof business, when youconsider the amount offitting and fabrication thatis involved. We specialise


All tankers are designed tothe customer’s specifications

Congratulations on 10 years of trading, andevery success for the futue

Unit 1 Clane Business Park,Clane, Co. Kildare.

Tel: 00 353 4589 3540Fax: 00 353 4590 2970Email: [email protected]

www.hcirl.comBest Wishes To

Road Tankers Armagh


Specialising InTank Truck Equipment • Hoses Couplings • Health & SafetyElectrics • Misc • Truck StorageWorkshop/Garage Consumables

Road Tanker Spares International,17 Dunnesmullan Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh BT60 1TJTel: +44 (0)77 3036 0996 E: [email protected]

Delighted To be associated with Road Tankers Armagh

www.roadtankerspares.com

WishingContinuedSuccess To

Road TankersArmagh

98 Cathedral Road, Armagh, Northern Ireland BT61 8AJTelephone: +44 (0)283 752 8989 Email: [email protected]

www.sossales.co.uk

Drumcairn, Loughgall Rd., Armagh BT61 7NNT: (028) 3752 4731 / 3752 5272 / 3752 7488

F: (028) 3752 7483Email: [email protected]

www.cormacleonard.com

Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh

Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh, From

TBF ThompsonMallusk: 028 9034 2001Garvagh: 028 2955 8353

Portadown: 028 3839 3300

DAF Distributors-Northern Ireland

Petroleum, Domestic & Agricultural OilsHome Heating Oil • Agricultural Fuels & DERV

Same Day DeliveriesFull Burner Maintenance Service

028 8776 9182028 8776 9178

www.burrowsfuels.co.uk51 Terrenew Road, Dungannon BT70 3AB

Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh From COLEMAN & CO.Accountants and AuditorsAre pleased to be associated with Road Tankers Armagh& wish them all the best for the future

We can be of service to you• Accounts Preparation• Completion of Self Assessment Returns• Payroll and VAT ServicesArmaghbreague House, 35 Railway Street, Lisburn BT28 1XPT: 028 9266 3599 / 028 9260 1885F: 028 9266 6373 E: [email protected] at: 77 Kinelowen St Keady T/F: 028 3753 1588

DDiissttrriibbuuttoorrss ooffPETROL • DIESEL • AGRI DIESEL

& HOME HEATING OIL NATIONWIDECONTACT

0818 279900 or 049 8541175Email: [email protected] • www.curranoil.com

Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh

in three sizes of tanks, a5,000 litre mini, a 7,000 litremidi, a 13,000 litrestandard tanker and a26,000 litre tanker. "

While some customersspecify all new equipment,others require what can bebest described as a mixand match service. Thusthe need for therefurbishment andremounting service.

"Some customers wouldcome to us with their oldtanker to be refurbishedand remounted onto a newchassis and cab, whileothers would want a newtank mounted on a newlorry. It would depend onindividual customerrequirements."

Road Tankers Armaghspecialises in giving its

valued customer base a personalised andprofessional service, where the requirements of thecustomer are of paramount importance. Thecompany's attention to detail and the build qualityare other key selling points, according to Trevor.

He elaborated: "We are strong on giving thecustomer personal attention. We also specialise inquick turn around times. We understand thecustomer wants to get the truck out working assoon as possible, so we work closely with them tothat end. We can do all that work in-house. Whenthe truck leaves here it is ready to work. Thecomplete service takes about four weeks.”


The average production time for a tanker is 3-4 weeks

Road Tankers Armagh has developed ahuge customer base over the years

For Lyons & Burton, talk ofrecessions and downturns isnot exactly welcome, but at

least they have the experiencenecessary to see things through. Formany companies founded in the boomtimes, the rigours of financialhardships, of dwindling margins andshrinking customer bases, have beentoo much to bear. But Trevor Lyons,at the helm of Lyons & Burton, acompany established in 1977,meaning he has already seen the firmthrough plenty of troubling times in thepast.

Based on the Clane Road in Kilcock,Lyons & Burton is a main dealer forthe renowned John Deere machinery,but it also specialises in otheragricultural, industrial and commercialbrands such as Husqvarna and Isuzu.The John Deere dealership wassecured in 1989, at a time when thecountry was reeling from anotherrecession, and the memories of thattime are stark in light of the currentsituation in the country.

“It was a traumatic time,” saysTrevor. “The economy was on hisknees, interest rates were high and atthat time we embarked on the processof changing our agency from NewHolland and FIAT to John Deere.Changing what you spent the previous12 years doing, with spare parts andeverything else, was costly. Therearen’t too many people who could do ittoday and survive, but we worked hardat it. We lost some customers andgained others, and overall it was verybeneficial. John Deere is a very strongcompany. In hindsight I think it was theonly move we could make and still bein business today.”

With so much of its business basedon the agricultural sector, Lyons &Burton may not have been hugelyexposed to the construction andindustrial arenas which imploded inthe downturn, but few businesses inIreland sailed unharmed through thedeath of the Celtic Tiger and Lyons &Burton is no different.

“Our turnover has shrunk

dramatically from 2008,” admit Trevor.“We were around €10m and it’s backat €5m or thereabouts now. That’sdifficult. We’ve had to cut and slash,and do whatever it takes to staycompetitive. Lyons & Burton MDremains upbeat about the future,

particular in its agricultural stronghold.“Certainly agriculture in Ireland didn’t

see the Celtic Tiger highs,” he says,“but I’d say farmers’ glasses are half-full rather than half-empty at themoment. It seems to have reached abottom and hopefully there will be

70

The Lyons kingThe current economic troubles are nothing new to Lyons & Burton. TheKilcock-based outlet, which specialises in John Deere machinery, camethrough the 1980s unscathed and, as Managing Director Trevor Lyons tellsIrish Trucker, they’re intent on doing likewise this time round.


Main dealer for John Deere

Specialists in theIsuzu brand

gradual improvement from here on.Last year was a difficult one for

farmers and the year before wasn’t toogreat either, but commodity priceshave improved, grain prices are on theway up and there’s a lot morebuoyancy there now.”

A substantial part of the Lyons &Burton operation is its parts andservice, which currentlycomprises more than half of thepersonnel and ground area, butTrevor is adamant that theycannot rely too strongly on thataspect of the business.

“It’s a solid part of what we dobut it’s very important to get outand sell,” he says. “If you don’thave sales this year you won’thave parts sales next year. Soit’s just a case of getting out andselling now. I don’t want to hearany excuses.”

In addition to its agriculturalbase, Lyons & Burton has beenan Isuzu dealer since 1988, andthe brand remains a part of theKildare company’s impressivecatalogue, which can be viewedonline atwww.lyonsandburton.ie.

“A lot of farmers were drivingcommercial vehicles, so we tookon Isuzu to try to broaden outthe business. We split thepremises, built a new premisesnext door, and I had intended tosplit the business in two but theway things went it didn’t merit it.

“We have a light goods vehicletest centre in that part of the site

now, so it worked out quite well. It tooka few years to get all thedocumentation in order but it ticksalong quite happily.

“Isuzu’s own scrappage scheme wasvery good for us, it drove up sales. Wedrive the D-Max ourselves, they’re agood vehicle, reliable, reasonably

economical and they could be boughtat a very keen rate on the scrappage.”

Husqvarna, which has forged a solidreputation for itself both in Ireland andworldwide in recent years, is also areliable performer for Lyons & Burton.

Isuzu and Husqvarna are expectedto perform quite well going forward butthe John Deere range is undoubtedly

the core, and with keydecisions having beentaken in order to remaincompetitive, Lyons & Burtonshould be well placed toflourish into the future. Tothat end, Trevor Lyonsremains an optimist atheart.

“We’ll be looking back toour core business now,” hesays. “Whatever comes inlight commercials we’ll lookat and see whether we candevelop it a bit more. We’vea good customer basehere, an excellent partsbusiness under the sameroof and we’re also in agood location. We used tobe very much in thecountryside but not anymore. We’re very easy toget to – we’re on the Naas-Kilcock road, two milesfrom Kilcock and just fiveminutes from themotorway.”

For more information onthe products and servicesoffered by Lyons & Burton,be sure to check outwww.lyonsandburton.ie.


Husqvarna is a reliable performer for Lyons & Burton

Wishing Lyons & Burton

Continued Success From

HANAHOE & HANAHOESOLICITORS

16 North Main Street, Naas, Co. KildareTelephone: 045 897784

Best Wishes To Lyons & Burton From

Martin & CompanyCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

& REGISTERED AUDITORS

Services IncludeAudit • Accountancy • Book Keeping

Taxation • Company Secretarial • Payroll

Leopardstown, Co. DublinT: 01 288 1719 • F: 01 210 3815Email: [email protected]

The company counts Tipperary Co-Op and ECS among its customers

72

Fifty years a-growingContainer haulage specialist Denis Donovan Transport Ltd has beenproviding a top-class service for its customers for nearly 50 years.Geraldine Donovan, wife of managing director Denis, explains more aboutthis successful family-run operation.


Established in the 1960s by the late Denis (Dinny)Donovan, Denis Donovan Transport Ltd isrecognised as one of Co. Tipperary’s foremost

haulage firms.The family-run company, which operates from Barronstown

on the outskirts of Tipperary town, has experienced stronggrowth since Denis Donovan Jnr took over the running ofthe business following his father’s death in 2000. Assistedby his wife Geraldine, who fulfils the role of office manager,and his son Paul, Denis has expanded the fleet from twotrucks to 10, while the company now boasts 20 trailers,having recently taken delivery of a couple of new Dennisonskeletal trailers.

“We have gone from strength to strength over the past 10years or so,” Geraldine Donovan proudly explains.

“Denis has been involved in the company since the late1970s and, with the help of Paul, has grown it significantlysince 2000. Prior to his death, Denis’ father had workedhard to establish the business, having started off with just atruck and a trailer. But the fleet remained relatively smalluntil Denis and Paul took over the running of the company.”

Denis Donovan Transport has established a tradition forquality, reliability, value-for-money and total dedication tocustomer service. Although the company specialises incontainer haulage, which accounts for about 75 per cent ofits business, it also offers a general haulage service andholds an international haulage licence.

Denis Donovan Transport is ideally located to serve theneeds of customers throughout the Munster region. Indeed,the cities of Limerick, Cork and Waterford are all within easyreach. Over the years, the company has built up animpressive client list that includes Tipperary Co-Op and ECSEuropean Containers.

“They’re our two biggest customers,” Geraldine continues.“Our association with Tipperary Co-Op goes back to the

1960s, and we continue to enjoy an excellent workingrelationship with them. We are fully registered by the


Another load isready for the off

Donovan Transport hasgone from strength to

strength in the past decade

Department of Agriculture, Fisheriesand Food, and transport everythingfrom milk, farm feeds stuff, butter, milkpowder and cheese for Tipperary Co-Op. They are a great company to workfor.

“The same can be said for ECS. Wedistribute their containers from DublinPort to all parts of the country. Theyhave a presence all over Europe and

we are delighted to be sub-contractorsfor them. Our motto is ‘delivery ontime – every time’ and this certainlyapplies to any work we do for ECS.”

Headquartered in Zeebrugge,Belgium, ECS delivers door-to-doortransport all over Europe with a focuson the UK and Ireland. Goods aremainly transported in 45’ 9’6”palletwide containers. Temperature

controlled transports can also beprovided. ECS provides deliveries inthe following countries: Belgium,Holland, Luxembourg, France,Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain,Austria, Czech Republic, Greece,Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the UKand Ireland.

In Zeebrugge, ECS offerswarehousing and cross-docking


Denis Donovan Transportspecialises in contrainer haulage

74

The trucks are a familiarsight on Irish roads


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Best Wishes To Denis Donovan Transport Ltd, From

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TEL +353 1 2932370FAX +353 1 2932360E-MAIL [email protected]: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie

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Best Wishes & Continued Success ToDenis Donovan Transport Ltd, From

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Best Wishes To Denis Donovan Transport Ltd

Maudlins Cross, Naas, Co. KildareTel: +353 (0) 45 866468

Fax: +353 (0) 45 876244

www.dennisontrailers.comContinued Best Wishes ToDenis Donovan Transport Ltd

Best Wishes & Continued Success ToDENIS DONOVAN TRANSPORT LTD

IRISH

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services which are availed of bycustomers from throughout Europe.The company’s Irish office is locatedat Zeebrugge House, Alexandra Road,4 Branch Road South, Dublin 1.

Denis Donovan Transport also doesa lot of container work for Cobelfret inBelgium, along with ECS, using theC2C Shipping Lines throughZeebrugge.

Denis Donovan Transport employsseven drivers, all of who areexperienced, highly skilled and fullyaware of the importance of customerservice. Head driver Paul Donovan isADR-trained for the carriage ofdangerous goods. The company alsoemploys a full-time mechanic andcould soon have another familymember on its books.

“Our youngest son Cathal, who is 17,is interested in mechanics so there’s agood chance he’ll follow the rest of usinto the business,” Geraldine says.

The Donovan fleet, which is white incolour, comprises seven DAF, oneRenault, one Volvo and one Scania.The company has and continues toinvest heavily in new trucks, trailersand equipment. It has been a long-time customer of John O’Mahony’sDAF Truck Services in Cork and JohnByrne, who is Dennison Trailers’ salesmanager in Ireland.

As well as being a regular sight onIrish roads, the Donovan fleet regularlyappears at truck shows around thecountry. And according to Geraldine,they never come home withoutsilverware.

“We have had a lot of success attruck shows down the years. BothPaul and Deckie Hickey, who is one ofour drivers, have a huge interest in theshows. In fairness to all of our drivers,they take a lot of pride in theappearance of their trucks. They lookafter them as if they are their own.

“When Deckie got married a coupleof years ago, he took his wife Louiseoff to the reception in his truck. Thatgives you an idea of just how proud heis of his truck.”

Similar to all transport companies,Denis Donovan Transport has beenimpacted greatly by the recession and,in particular, rising fuel costs.

“It’s ridiculous what we are expectedto pay for diesel nowadays,” quipsGeraldine, as she looks out at thebreathtaking Glen of Aherlow from heroffice window.

“It’s putting a lot of haulage firms to

the wall. We’re nodifferent to othercompanies in thatwe’re just trying tosurvive and to getthrough these toughtimes.”

Recession or norecession, you canbe sure that DenisDonovan Transportwon’t allow itsstandards to slip.Denis, Geraldine,Paul and their teamhave worked hardto make it thethriving business itis today and arecommitted tomaintaining thehighest standardsthat have been thehallmark of thecompany for nearly50 years.

“We are veryappreciative of thebusiness we getfrom our customersand are alwaysstriving to providethem with a reliableand top-classservice,” the affableoffice managerconcludes.

For moreinformation aboutDenis DonovanTransport Ltd,


Donovan Transport has been providinga top-class service for nearly 50 years

The Donovan Transportfleet consists of 10 trucks

Best Wishes To Denis Donovan Transport Ltd, From

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Documents

Irish Trucker magazine July 2011