The IPRA has been established to provide advice and guidance to petrol retailers. We advise members on new and proposed changes in the legislation and lobby on behalf of the legitimate trade. We are now recognised as the representative body for petrol retailers in Ireland.
OUR AIM
Our aim is to provide our members with timely advice on wholesale market price changes allowing them to maximise their purchase of fuel, advice on contracts, employee legislation and safety regulations. We also search for group schemes to offer member discounts on insurance, finance, credit cards and forecourt services.
WHAT ARE OUR BIG SUCCESSES?
IPRA has been very successful and has presented to the Oireachtas Committee on abused fuel, introduced a quality assurance scheme for members and established a fuels group with Revenue that meets regularly to review the problem of abused fuel, reporting requirements of ROM1 and issues faced by retailers on the ground.
We have submitted evidence to the National Consumers Association (NCA) on fuel pricing and lobby Ministers regularly on the issues facing retailers, including unfair competition from unauthorised car washes, pop up retail sites and planning violations.
The IPRA has also successfully worked with the Valuations Office in order to secure a reduction in commercial rates for every forecourt across the country under the Commercial Rates Revaluation.
We are partnering with An Garda Síochána to launch a Fuel Watch Scheme to help prevent drive offs.
WHY DOES THE RETAIL SECTOR NEED A TRADE BODY?
For years the trade has been at the sharp end when it came to increases in Government excise duty – it was normal for consumers to blame the retailer. In addition, the increase in the availability meant the legitimate retailer suffered volume and loss of profits with many retailers closing. A vibrant trade body is necessary to promote the interests of legitimate traders.
The IPRA are the body both the Government and the media call when they need accurate insights into the forecourt industry in Ireland.
WHAT DO WE LOBBY FOR ON BEHALF OF THE RETAIL TRADE?
IPRA is responsible for promoting the legitimate trade and is supported by its members. We lobby Ministers on excise duty policy and planned changes to planning legislation and health & safety issues. We issue regular press releases promoting the legitimate trade and advise Government on issues affecting your trade. We provide a ‘voice’ for the legitimate trade and this is listened to by Government as we are seen as representative of the trade due to our vibrant membership base.
