Reaction to the first meeting of the Mechanics Association of Ireland, which was held recently, continues to be very positive and plans are now in place to move the Association on to the next level.

Founder James Donohoe says that following the meeting there was a very pleasing response from many of those who attended wishing to volunteer for a development committee. Committee volunteers will now meet in the next few weeks to plan developments and a formal committee will be elected at the Association’s first AGM. A draft constitution and code of conduct has also been drawn up for discussion.

The Mechanics Association of Ireland (MAI) aims to give mechanics working in the motor industry a representative voice and to work towards improving pay, conditions and training opportunities in what is a very fast changing sector. The Association has been very active online via its Facebook page for well over a year and now has a membership of over 2500.

At the recent meeting the challenges and opportunities that mechanics face were discussed, with issues such as the need for improved training structures, the poor image of the industry and the discrepancies in pay and conditions as compared to other trade all touched on.

The MAI is open to all mechanics, trainees and garage operators. Anyone one who would like further information, or to join the association can email mechanicsassociationofireland@gmail.com or can make contact through the Mechanics Association of Ireland Facebook page.