Brexit Preparations

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Questions (53)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

53. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date by which all the necessary Brexit infrastructure is expected to be completed by the Office of Public Works by port and airport in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40664/19]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As a consequence of Brexit, physical infrastructure will be required for customs, SPS and health checks and controls at Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Airport. Preparations have been taking place at each of the three locations for two scenarios: if a withdrawal agreement is reached; and if there is a no-deal Brexit.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, interim infrastructure will be required immediately pending the completion of the permanent infrastructure required for the longer term.

Detailed work has been underway across Government for more than a year involving the Office of Public Works; the Revenue Commissioners; the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine; the Department of Health; and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport.

In the lead up to the end of March and mid-April Brexit deadlines, arrangements were finalised to ensure that sufficient infrastructure was in place in Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Airport to provide an emergency response to a no-deal Brexit. Since then work has continued to enhance further these facilities, and details of the infrastructure for the end of October Brexit deadline are set out in the following table.

Location	Facilities Provided
Dublin Port	25 inspection bays for SPS and food safety checks and Revenue turnout shed; Eight Seal Check Booths for documentary and identity check facilities; A public office and parking for a total of 128 HGV’s with associated driver facilities; Overflow parking spaces for a further 77 HGVs; Live animal Border Control Post (BCP); Pet inspection facilities; Office accommodation.
Rosslare Europort	Four inspection bays for SPS checks; Parking for 38 HGVs; Two Seal Check Booths for documentary and identity check facilities; A public office and drivers facilities; Live animal BCP; Pet inspection facilities; Office accommodation.
Dublin Airport	Inspection facilities for SPS and food safety checks; as well as for the inspection of live animals.