In a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges facing Northern Ireland’s logistics sector, a delegation of key industry representatives met with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA at S&W Wholesale in Newry. The delegation included Maire Claire Reid, Managing Director of TST Group and Chairperson of Logistics UK’s Northern Ireland Freight Council; Graham Patchett, Council Vice Chair from Musgrave; Clive Whylie, Council Member from S&W Wholesale; Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy for Logistics UK and Anthony McVeigh, from S&W Wholesale who kindly hosted the gathering at their Newry facilities.
A Vital Industry Seeking Support
The logistics sector plays a crucial role in Northern Ireland’s economy, with almost 8% of the total workforce employed in logistics roles and over 65,000 logistics businesses operating across the region. As Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy for Logistics UK, highlighted, “The sector underpins the economy and drives trade. It is renowned for its resilience, but the sector could achieve so much more with support from government.”
The representatives engaged in productive discussions with the Minister and her team on a range of critical issues that are currently impacting the industry. The meeting format allowed for an open dialogue about the challenges faced by logistics companies across Northern Ireland, with each industry representative offering valuable insights from their respective areas of expertise.
Key Challenges Discussed
The meeting addressed several pressing concerns for the logistics sector:
Skills Shortage
The industry is grappling with significant workforce challenges, including the high insurance costs for young drivers that create barriers to entry for new talent in the sector. Maire Claire emphasised the need for government initiatives to attract and retain skilled professionals in logistics.
Infrastructure Investment
Adequate transport infrastructure is essential for the efficient movement of goods. The delegation discussed the current limitations in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and the need for strategic investment to support the logistics network.
Decarbonisation Pathways
As Maire Claire Reid has previously outlined, transport accounts for approximately 20% of Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second-highest emitting sector after agriculture. Unlike other sectors, transport emissions have risen by an estimated 21.5% since 1990.
The delegation discussed the unique challenges Northern Ireland faces in this area, including:
- Infrastructure Limitations: The need for significant investment in energy infrastructure to support low-carbon fuel production and facilitate modal shifts
- Regulatory Ambiguity: The uncertainties businesses face due to overlapping international and local regulations
- Financial Constraints: The high upfront costs of adopting zero-emission vehicles, particularly challenging for SMEs
Windsor Framework Agreement
The newly implemented Windsor Framework, which governs the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was also a key topic of discussion. With the framework having gone live on May 1st, 2025, businesses are navigating the dual-lane system that differentiates between goods destined for Northern Ireland and those bound for the European Union.
The delegation stressed the importance of clear guidance and support for logistics companies adapting to these new customs procedures.
Moving Forward Together
Speaking after the meeting, Maire Claire commented, “It was great to meet with Minister Liz Kimmins MLA and her team from the Department for Infrastructure. We emphasised the necessity of receiving extra support from government that our industry so greatly requires.”
She added, “These are only a few of the challenges that many logistics companies are facing on a daily basis, including myself within my role as Managing Director at TST Group, so I feel it is extra important that I can be a voice for our industry through my tenure as Chair of NI Freight Council for Logistics UK.”
The meeting represents an important step in strengthening the dialogue between the logistics industry and policymakers. As Northern Ireland continues to navigate complex economic, environmental, and regulatory landscapes, such collaboration will be essential in developing solutions that support both the logistics sector and the wider economy.
Minister Kimmins expressed appreciation for the insights provided and acknowledged the vital role the logistics sector plays in Northern Ireland’s economic prosperity. Both parties have committed to ongoing dialogue to address these challenges constructively.
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