15 Dec 2020, 14:27
The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will discuss the movement of goods through Europe post-Brexit with Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) director Liam Lacey at a meeting in Leinster House tomorrow, Wednesday, 16 December at 9am.
Mr Lacey will join the meeting in Committee Room 3 remotely, via video link.
Last November the Irish Maritime Development Office completed a report for the Department of Transport; A Reassessment of Ireland’s Maritime Connectivity in the Context of Brexit and Covid-19 Challenges
Speaking before the meeting, Committee Vice-Chairman Brendan Howlin TD said: “The end of the Brexit transition period will have significant implications for Irish traders that use the Landbridge to move goods to the EU through ports and roads in the UK.
“It has been reported that there will be new requirements with an increased risk of delays and transit times for operators using UK ports and roads.
“The Committee welcomes this timely engagement with Mr Lacey on the findings and recommendations of the IMDO’s report which addresses market conditions, capacity and utilization, and emerging trends. The report also addresses potential pressure points Irish traders should be prepared for on commonly used routes, and the issues if any, Irish operators could face crossing the border into Northern Ireland to use Northern Irish ports. The requirement for increased direct connectivity with continental Europe from Ireland to avoid potential Landbridge delays is another item of importance for discussion. We look forward to engaging with Mr Lacey on these important issues.”
Watch the meeting live.