The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA), is now gearing up to enter a new phase of its development, which will see the organisation go national in the coming months.

The Association, which was formed by concerned bodyshop operators in Co. Mayo, to represent their interests, has spend the last few months assessing levels of support for its industry stand point, by canvassing the views of repairers throughout Ireland. Sean Hegarty, one of the founders of the organisation, says there has been a very strong response both in terms of the numbers of bodyshops that have returned questionnaires and the strength of feeling in the views expressed. He says, “The number of people who have been in contact with us has been tremendous and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to get back to us.” He adds, “From the responses, it’s clear to see that there is a great deal of concern and its fair to say, a good deal of anger about what is going on in our industry.”

Inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations, the use and continued availability of non-compliant paints and anti competition practices adopted by some insurers, were all highlighted as major areas of concern for repairers all over Ireland. There was also a great deal of annoyance expressed over the rise of more and more unregulated repairers in the industry, which are effectively operating in the black economy.

John Moran, another of the VRA founders said, “It is clear from our survey that repairers are very concerned about the future of the industry and the future of their own businesses. They are very frustrated at the moment, and want a strong voice that can represent their views at a national level. We firmly believe the VRA can do this.”

The VRA says that the level of response to its questionnaire and numbers of general enquiries means it has taken longer than anticipated to implement its expansion plans. Additional resources will shortly be in place to coordinate its activity and move the organisation forward. This will see the development of the association on a region-by-region basis and the organising committee is appealing for anyone who would like to help establish the VRA in their area to get in touch.

Meanwhile the work of the organisation is also moving on, with VRA representatives asked to address a meeting of the EPA and local council enforcement officers last month. The VRA believes, that through better dialogue with these parties, it can bring about fairer enforcement of environmental regulations for the benefit of all repairers.

To contact the VRA logon to www.vra.ie.