ITIA holds AGM and Annual Dinner

The Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) held its AGM and Annual Dinner in the Gibson Hotel, Point Village, Dublin 1 on Thursday, March 8.

At the event, ITIA President Paddy Murphy set out the vision for the association for 2018. He acknowledged to members that the industry has been going through very turbulent times recently, following the introduction of the new waste management regulations, but he stressed that now more than ever the industry needs to unite to face the challenges ahead.

In his address he recognised that there was a fall in membership during 2016 and early 2017 but, said he was encouraged with the number of new and returning members coming back to the Association.

He said the Association is continuing to work on addressing member’s concerns in relation to the new legislation and is also now focusing on areas, which will help members to sustain and grow their businesses.

Under the stewardship of CEO Sue O’Neill, the ITIA ambition is to convey to all concerned that the tyre industry is committed to raising the standards of those working in the industry by developing a comprehensive Tyre Technician Professional Development Scheme, similar to a scheme run by its counterpart, the NTDA in the UK.

Paddy Murphy commented: “The Association is dedicated to ensuring it plays its part in contributing to road safety in Ireland and making sure that those working in the industry are trained to the highest standards is an essential part of this. Another essential part will be our collaborations with the RSA and an Garda Siochána to highlight the importance of the enforcement of the tyre safety penalty point regime.”

Tyre safety is a vital factor in ensuring the safety of those driving on our roads. According to a study carried out by the RSA dangerous tyres had a direct effect on 14 lives lost on our roads in 2016. It is an offence to drive a vehicle with defective or worn tyres. Drivers found to have dangerous tyres that do not meet safe standards can receive two penalty points on their licence and a fixed charge (or fine) of €80.

The Annual Dinner was very well attended and proved to be a great networking opportunity for members who also met with suppliers who had stands there to provide information and advice.
Check out our full coverage of the ITIA AGM & Dinner in the Tyre Trade Journal, out this week.