Dublin - The Irish Road Hauliers' Association (IRHA) has proposed mounting a blockade soon in protest at soaring fuel costs, RTE radio reported Thursday.

The president of the IRHA, Jimmy Quinn, said there was a window of opportunity until June 27 when truckers would consider a so-called "doomsday scenario" involving the blockade of ports.

At the moment, he added, "People with 30, 40, 50 trucks have six weeks until they are out of business."

Talks begun Wednesday evening in Portlaoise, central Ireland, are to continue Thursday in a bid to avert a looming strike.

IRHA members said they can no longer absorb the increased expense and demanded a surcharge, which some freight companies are charging without passing onto hauliers.

Meanwhile, fishermen who had blockaded the port of Cork have stood down the blockade temporarily.

The Federation of Irish Fishermen is to meet Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Brendan Smith for talks on Friday.

The fishermen are demanding financial aid, an end to forced dumping of fish catches at sea and more respect from state agencies for the industry.

Two container ships stranded in Cork harbour since Wednesday have since been allowed to sail. (dpa)