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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (110)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with freight representative organisations on the delays and challenges importers and exporters continue to face at ports here due to Brexit; the changes that have been introduced to address these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/21]

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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.  These checks and controls 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.  

The latest CEO statistics for January 2021, published last week, show that imports from Great Britain decreased by 65% and exports decreased by 14% when compared with January 2020.  Analyses by the Irish Maritime Development Office for my Department shows that for the first two months of 2021 there was a decline of 39% in the number of Roll-on / Roll-off trailer units on Ireland-GB routes (including 50% on the Holyhead – Dublin route) when compared to the same period in 2020. While the analyses indicated an increase in the number of trailer units of 78% on direct Ireland – EU routes, it highlights an overall decline in RoRo units to and from Ireland of 20%.  The IMDO concluded this overall decline in volumes can be attributed to two main issues: economic factors (e.g. stockpiling in Q4 2020, covid supressed demand) and shifting trade patterns.  

It is difficult to say at this stage how traffic volumes and flows will move over the coming period. Suppressed demand as a result of Covid remains a key uncertainty, and businesses are also continuing to adapt to the new customs and SPS controls.

In terms of engagement with freight representative organisations, in September 2020 a stakeholders' forum for the Haulage and Logistics Sector was established. At the same time, a separate stakeholders forum was also established for the shipping sector. Both continue to meet on a weekly basis.

The Haulage and Logistics stakeholder forum includes the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) among other representative bodies. Hosted by my Department, and attended by Revenue, DAFM and HSE representatives, this forum has allowed for constructive discussion and feedback on issues arising and for the sharing of relevant information with stakeholders.   

To respond to particular concerns for the haulage and logistics sector, Revenue have established a new joint forum comprising of Revenue, DAFM and the IRHA to discuss, and where possible, mitigate issues of concern.   

I am aware that since 1 January 2021, based on feedback from trade, Revenue have have implemented a number of measures including the following:

- new feedback loop for hauliers moving trailers where they are not the declarant,

- providing hauliers with additional information on action required at declaration level, helping them manage the collection of trailers and drivers hours more efficiently.

- upgraded the PBN to enable the vehicle channel to be texted and emailed to different parties.   

The relevant State 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 State agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individual drivers – to get the issues resolved.  

My Department remains in regular contact with the haulage and logistics sector and also participates in Brexit retail and enterprise forums hosted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to monitor issues and developments in those sectors.

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