There is a serious shortfall in the number of new drivers entering the industry in Ireland -- with 40% of truck operators having vacancies they're struggling to fill -- according to a survey by Michelin's truck tire division and Ireland's Fleet Management magazine.
"Almost a third of Irish fleets already employ drivers from outside Ireland," said Jarlath Sweeney, editor of Fleet Management. "The driver shortage is one of the most important issues for the transport industry, with the lack of new people from Ireland forcing more and more operators to use drivers from overseas. Many of those firms offer additional incentives to help people cope with the burden of working and living far from home."