Skip to main content
Normal View

Haulage Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Questions (50)

Robert Troy

Question:

50. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the work to minimise the impacts of Brexit on the haulage industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15105/19]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has kept in close contact with road haulage stakeholders such as the Irish Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association Ireland, IBEC, the Irish Exporters Association and the British Irish Chambers of Commerce throughout the Brexit negotiations.  I also met with Freight Transport Association Ireland on 29 January last.  My Department continues to work with the industry representative bodies to keep hauliers and enterprises informed of developments and prospects, as indeed is our long-established practice.  

My Department hosted a Freight Forum with stakeholders including haulage industry representative bodies on 21 January 2019 to inform them of Brexit developments.  My Department, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture addressed the group.  On 14 March, my Department issued a comprehensive Brexit Communications Notice to all licensed international haulage operators, which outlines the position in relation to a range of transport issues arising under Brexit.  This notice is published on my Department’s website and the information available online will continue to be updated to keep industry stakeholders informed of Brexit developments.  I can assure you that I and other Government Ministers continue to engage with our EU partners to find solutions for the road freight transport sector to minimise the potential disruption to Irish hauliers’ access to and through the UK in the event of a “no deal” Brexit.  In December 2018, the European Commission made a proposal for a regulation relating to road freight transport in order to maintain basic connectivity in the event of a “no deal” Brexit.  In this situation, this temporary measure will allow EU hauliers to continue to access the UK for a limited period of time, provided that the UK gives reciprocal treatment to EU companies and operators.  The finalisation of this regulation is at an advanced stage.  

All Government Departments and agencies, including my Department, are continuing their contingency planning for Brexit.  The Government remains firmly of the view that ratifying the Withdrawal Agreement that has been agreed between the EU and the UK remains the best way to ensure an orderly UK exit. At its meeting on 11 December 2018, the Government decided to give greater immediate priority to the preparations for a “no deal” Brexit. This work is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and involves all Government Departments and agencies.  

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, along with other Government Departments, has emphasised the importance of stakeholders taking all necessary steps within their control to prepare for Brexit, including undertaking contingency planning to minimise the impact of Brexit on their operations. I would encourage haulage operators to refer to the European Commission’s published Notices to Stakeholders in the field of transport and the basic connectivity Regulation.

Top
Share