The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA) has received an excellent response to its appeal for members on a national basis. They plan to implement a programme to expand its operations base and range of activities over the coming months.
John Moran, one of the founders of the Association, says that he and the other founders have been contacted by repairers from right across Ireland, who share their concerns about issues such as lack of representation for the repair industry and enforcement of environmental legislation.
He says, “There is a great deal of frustration felt by bodyshop operators about how the industry is developing, repairers all over the country want to get organised and have a much bigger share in the development of the industry and see the VRA as a genuine opportunity to do this.”
The VRA was formed by bodyshop operators in county Mayo and has since recruited members in many other counties. To date it has scored some considerable successes in its dealings with local authorities and the EPA, on environmental issues and in developing group buying initiatives and member training programmes. John says he expects to see membership numbers in the hundreds within the next month or so, a significant achievement for such a young organisation and one that reflects the strong feeling that bodyshop operators have.
You can find out more about the VRA by visiting www.vra.ie or emailing your contact details to
vramayo@gmail.com.