Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
378. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has met with representatives of shipping lines in the context of Brexit; the potential for disruption of goods transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33293/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra392. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has undertaken a study of the need for additional roll-on, roll-off ferry services in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33295/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 392 together.
As part of my Department's preparation for Brexit, there has been wide engagement with sectoral stakeholders, including the shipping sector, at the All Ireland Transport Sectoral Meeting held on 23 January and at a specific workshop hosted by my officials in April on the possible impacts of Brexit on maritime transport.
I am aware that a significant proportion of goods destined for EU markets use the UK land-bridge to access these markets. The efficiency of these routes could be affected by Brexit, particularly if there were increased border and custom procedures and delays, or if the UK applied differing standards, road charging or regulatory regimes. The impact of Brexit on shipping will be dependent upon the outcome of EU-UK negotiations.
My Department, in liaison with the Irish Maritime Development Office, is commencing research into the use of the UK land-bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of the research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK land-bridge, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on land-bridge usage, and the various options that may be available.
All shipping companies servicing routes to and from Ireland operate as independent commercial companies. Shipping services are market driven. In the past, ferry operators have responded to economic developments and increased or reduced capacity in response to market demands. I expect ferry services to adapt to changing market demands and conditions following Britain's exit from the EU but I will continue to monitor the situation.
