Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2019
27. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date by which the necessary Brexit infrastructure at ports is expected to be completed by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46898/19]
View answerAs a consequence of Brexit, physical infrastructure will be required for customs, SPS and health checks and controls at Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort. Preparations have been taking place at both of these ports 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.
At the end of October Brexit deadline the following infrastructure was in place in Dublin Port;
• 27 loading bays to carry out customs, SPS and health checks
• 205 HGV parking spaces
• 120 additional desk spaces
• Live Animal BCP
• An Export Office
At the end of October Brexit deadline the following infrastructure was in place in Rosslare Europort;
• 4 loading bays to carry out customs, SPS and health checks
• 38 HGV parking spaces
• 110 additional desk spaces
• A Live Animal BCP
• An Export Office
The Office of Public Works is continuing to work with the relevant State agencies on the development of the permanent infrastructure required for the longer term.
