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Background Notes
The typology of companies covered in the research includes:

• Third Party Logistics Providers—many companies who move goods internationally outsource some or all of the management of their logistics services to such providers;
• Internationally orientated road freight transport companies;
• Large Irish food companies who undertake their own international logistics in order to ensure the security and consistency of their supply chain;
• Large domestic Retail Groups undertaking their own logistics and warehousing activities;
• Operators engaged in intermodality and co-modality logistics activities—such hub cargo handling activities facilitate the timely and efficient outward and inward freight movement;
• Consultancy firms which provide logistics services as a major part of their business activity;
• Public Bodies providing a service related to ensuring efficient international trade logistics.

Means of Transporting Freight in Ireland
Road freight is the most common means of transporting freight in Ireland. Enterprises that are focused on business activities such as food companies and multiple retailers often have their own in-house road freight operation in order to ensure a consistency of supply to their customers.

Air Freight accounts for 1% of freight tonnage by volume but 35% of the value of all freight into and out of Ireland—mainly high value foodstuffs, pharmaceutical, medical devices and IT components.

Dublin is Ireland's most important port for both exports and imports. In 2012, 42% of all merchandise moved by sea was handled by Dublin, 21% by Shannon Foynes and 18% by Cork.

Rail freight is responsible for 1% of all freight goods transported in Ireland. Although rail freight has been in decline there are plans to encourage greater use of this more sustainable mode.

About the EGFSN
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) advises the Irish Government on current and future skills needs of the economy and on other labour market issues that impact on Ireland's enterprise and employment growth. It has a central role in ensuring that labour market needs for skilled workers are anticipated and met. Established in 1997, the EGFSN reports to the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

The Strategic Policy Division within the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in conjunction with the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit, SOLAS, provides the EGFSN with research and analysis support.