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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Questions (57)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to address the transport and logistics challenges faced by hauliers at ports in the first two weeks of 2021 (details supplied); if he is concerned the disruption will worsen in the coming weeks and months as trade levels increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2124/21]

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Written answers

The UK’s decision to leave the Single Market and Customs Union means that traders must now engage with a range of checks and controls on trade with Great Britain that did not previously apply. This is fundamentally impacting on many businesses in Ireland, including on the road haulage sector.

These changes represent a considerable shock to existing supply chains and logistics arrangements. The checks and controls which are now taking place are necessary and permanent, and are required in accordance with Ireland’s obligations to the Single Market and to protect public health and food. The Government fully acknowledges that this presents significant challenges and imposes additional burdens on hauliers and on all businesses trading with Great Britain. This is evidenced by the lower than anticipated flows of goods from Great Britain to Ireland since 1 January 2021.

I am aware that the relevant agencies continue to work around the clock to ensure trade can flow to the greatest extent possible. Where difficulties have arisen for users in specific cases, the agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individual drivers – to get the issues resolved.

I am also aware that the agencies have engaged extensively with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and other logistics representative bodies and continue to do so. A stakeholders' forum for the Haulage and Logistics Sector, including the IRHA and FTAI, meets weekly under the Department of Transport and comprises representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, and the HSE. In addition, the Departments and agencies engage with the IRHA and other representative bodies continuously on an ad hoc basis as issues arise. I also understand that the Revenue Commissioners held a technical workshop with the IRHA on Friday 15 January on the new Revenue systems.

The Revenue Commissioners are reporting that, of the goods that are arriving in Dublin and Rosslare Ports, the majority are being green routed and can exit the ports directly on disembarkation. Certain goods are and will continue to be subject to documentary and physical examination and these will have be checked before being allowed to leave the port.

My Department remains in contact with the haulage and logistics sector and also participates in Brexit retail and enterprise forums to monitor issues and developments in those sectors. Trade on our direct maritime services to the EU have seen a huge increase in demand since 1 January 2021, as businesses opt to move directly to EU markets and avoid the UK landbridge. While trade flows from Great Britain remain significantly lower than anticipated and while this is a matter of concern to me, we are seeing a gradual increase in the flow of goods through our ports and I expect that this will continue as businesses become more familiar with the new arrangements and as our agencies continue to work with businesses to address any difficulties arising.

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