asked the Minister for Finance the action the Revenue Commissioners have taken regarding the introduction of certain modifications in existing procedures to improve the traffic flow significantly between the customs posts at the Border.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Traffic Flow.
14.
To facilitate the flow of traffic through customs posts at the Border the Revenue Commissioners have introduced special clearance procedures whereby many classes of goods may be cleared before processing of the documents. Further to facilitate the flow of traffic on the Dundalk-Newry road the clearance of most export consignments has been transferred from Dundalk road station to Carrickcarnan frontier post where extra office accommodation and extra staff have been provided.
I am aware that proposals emanating from commercial and industrial interests were afoot in the recent past which could lead to the setting up of transit depots removed from the points of importation for the customs clearance of certain container traffic. The late Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Kenny, replied to a question relating to this matter on 6th June, 1974— see Official Report, Volume 273, No. 5, columns 730/731. I understand that the problems then referred to by the Parliamentary Secretary have not been resolved.
Obviously, from the answer, the Parliamentary Secretary is aware there is a certain amount of difficulty about the flow of traffic and certain suggestions were made to speed it up. Is there a good possibility that this matter can be resolved in the not-too-distant future?
Deputy Lemass is right. There have been strong demands from carrying companies for improvements but certain obstacles were run into. The Association of Shipping have been told they should contact the trade unions concerned in order to initiate discussions on the labour problems in connection with these depots. Unhappily these problems have not been resolved.