Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
921. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans or actions to mitigate against the delays to the land bridge that are anticipated in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1132/19]
View answerA substantial proportion of Ireland’s exports and imports are transported by truck on Roll-on/Roll-Off ferries to/from the UK for direct UK trade, and onwards via the road and ports network in the UK to EU ports - mainly the port of Calais. This trade is at present relatively frictionless as it is all within the Single Market. However, when the UK leaves the EU, there is concern that the additional customs, agriculture and health controls required for trade with a third country could significantly disrupt our transport connectivity to the UK, and via the UK, to our international markets.
The main pinch-points likely to affect Irish businesses are at Dublin and Rosslare ports, the Port of Holyhead, and the Dover-Calais link. This latter route is favoured by many importers and exporters seeking to transport goods that are perishable or time sensitive on the quickest and most reliable route available. Currently, OPW and other relevant Departments are working to establish the required controls at Dublin port, Rosslare port and Dublin Airport for both a central case and a no-deal scenario.
A major concern is also the impact on the Dover – Calais link. Congestion on this link could considerably disrupt the €21 billion of Irish trade that crosses the UK landbridge and could mean that certain of our goods simply can no longer realistically reach their markets in a timely manner.
The Government's contingency action plan published in 2019 sets out the actions being taken within our ports, with the European Commission and with other similarly affected Member States. In addition, I have today briefed the Government on the existing maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the landbridge.
