Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of ongoing talks with the EU and the UK authorities in the context of Brexit with reference to the need for alternative trading and transit locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19086/20]
View answerEnsuring the UK Landbridge remains an effective transit route to market for EU traders has been a key priority for the Government. I have had numerous discussions with my counterparts in the UK and across the EU. All understand the importance we attach to maintaining the Landbridge as an efficient route
At an EU level, there have been substantial engagements at political and official level to ensure that EU goods transiting the Landbridge are not subject to additional and unnecessary checks and controls. The overarching aim has been to ensure that, once the correct paperwork is in place, EU goods moving under transit will be “green lighted” and permitted to leave ports. T
More recently, in partnership with other Landbridge countries and the Commission, we addressed some SPS related challenges affecting Irish/EU goods transiting the UK back into the EU that arose in light of the introduction of the new Official Controls Regulation. Ireland took the lead among the Landbridge countries in highlighting this issue. In effect, our proposal will allow for a simplification for operators and competent authorities, facilitate the use of customs and other information by the Border Control Post to perform the SPS control, and avoid operators having to duplicate such information systems such as TRACES. We will continue to engage with the Commission as the amendment to the Regulation progresses. From an Irish perspective, the positive and solution-oriented approach taken by the Commission is very welcome.
We have worked closely with our French, Dutch and Belgian counterparts to understand each other’s operations and plans post transition. Work is underway within this group on developing joint communications for Landbridge users.
The UK’s has acceded to the Common Transit Convention which will allow EU goods to transit through the UK without undergoing full customs import and export formalities on entry and exit. While this is a welcome development, it is important to highlight that the way in which traders use the Landbridge will change. In order to benefit from the work done at EU level, the appropriate administration work including the requirement to have a financial guarantee, must be in place. The Revenue Commissioner’s website provides details on issues such as the financial guarantee and registering to become an authorised consignee/consignor.
I will publish an update of the Government’s Brexit Readiness and Contingency Action Plan in September. This will outline the work taking place across Government and the steps business and citizens should take to prepare for the end of the transition period. This will be supported by the roll out of focused communications programmes, including on the Landbridge.
The Government is also committed to enhancing direct connections between Ireland and the EU. The Government has assisted ports and shipping companies keep supply chains operating during COVID-19, leaving the industry better placed to provide sufficient freight and passenger capacity post-Brexit. In the context of maritime connectivity at the end of the transition period, indications from the sector are that sufficient capacity is available and new direct services continue to come on stream will provide additional capacity.
