Education and policy impact were highlighted as two of the most important roles of CILT Ireland in an address to members by newly appointed CILT International President, Kevin Byrne.

New CILT International President Kevin Byrne addressed Irish members at a busy event in the institute’s offices last week. The new president was first congratulated on his appointment by CEO of CILT Ireland Pat Treacy before then outlining his ambitions for his two year tenure.

Education, in particular the promotion of excellence and the provision of opportunities for continuing career development, was a key aspect of the new president’s speech. He stressed the need for CILT’s educational programmes to remain widely accessible and courses to be available to industry professionals at every stage of their career.

Lieutenant Colonel Byrne also stressed the important role younger members’ play in CILT’s future and the need to engage the next generation. He said national councils have a crucial part to play in this regard.

“Bringing our younger members onto the council will ensure excellent succession planning and continued good governance; it is essential that the latter remains at the heart of all our dealings and operations”.

CILT Ireland’s impact on government policy was also highlighted. Kevin Byrne said the organisation had shown it had significant influence on government policy here despite not being a lobbying organisation for any particular sector. He said he hoped this model would be followed by other CILT councils, ensuring they also play a key role in transport and logistics planning in their respective countries.

“It remains my contention that we are placed uniquely to work with governments and other state organisations so that policy reflects best practice at all levels in our industry”.

In his new role as President, Kevin Byrne will head up a body of more than 35,000 members.  With a background in aviation, Kevin joined the Chartered Institute of Transport, as it was then known, almost 25 years ago and served on many working groups, committees and task forces. In 2010 he became CILT International Vice-President with special responsibility for educational standards and then in 2013 held the position of national president of CILT Ireland.

CEO of CILT Ireland, Pat Treacy, speaking at the event.

CILT Ireland members chatting at the event at the Institute’s office.