Total Produce Gallagher Bros LPG Autogas lorry Gra

Des McCoy of Total Produce with Mark Gallagher of Gallagher Bros. Haulage fills the first converted Grá branded vehicle with LPG Autogas at the Gallagher distribution hub in North County Dublin

Total Produce has announced that it has partnered with Gallagher Brother Haulage to convert a fleet of eight 40ft lorries from conventional diesel-fuelled vehicles to Bio LPG Autogas, which the group says will yield 'immediate and dramatic' environmental dividends.

The move, a first for the Irish agri-business, will see each vehicle deliver a reduction in diesel consumption of up to 35 per cent, a reduction in noise pollution of of up to 10 per cent, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 48 per cent and a reduction on NOx emissions of up to 45 per cent – all when compared with a regular diesel-fuelled lorry.

'As Ireland’s largest fresh produce provider, we in Total Produce are committed to minimising our impact on the environment,' said Des McCoy, managing director of Total Produce Ireland, speaking at the unveiling of the first Grá branded vehicle in the LPG Autogas fleet.

“I know that this is a conviction that we share with our Grá group of local growers across the island, so it is particularly appropriate that the introduction of these vehicles coincides with the launch of the Grá range of local fruits & vegetables nationally,' he added.

“Efficient and innovative distribution has a central role to play in the fresh produce supply chain and we are very proud to lead the way in embracing this new technology and partnering Total Produce in this exciting venture,' noted Mark Gallagher, who together with his brother Terry manages Gallagher Brothers Haulage.