Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018
443. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Rosslare Harbour has border inspection post status; his views on an application to the European Commission regarding same; and if consideration is being given to using funds in his Department to upgrade infrastructure at Rosslare Harbour to prepare for the possibility of the UK becoming a third country to the EU in 2019. [53639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of on-going planning for Brexit, my Department has been working with other government departments, including the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, in assessing the infrastructure requirements at ports that are currently in receipt of consignments of products, plants and animals from the UK. Such consignments will require SPS checks to be carried out at a designated border control post, following the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union. In the event that a transition period is agreed between the UK and the EU as part of a withdrawal agreement, these checks will not apply until the end of the transition period.
Rosslare has been identified as a port where SPS checks will need to be carried out and as such it will be required to have a designated border control post (BCP) in compliance with EU rules. Work is underway, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW), to identify a suitable site for the construction of a BCP at Rosslare Port. The BCP will be part of a multi-agency central compound. My Department will continue to liaise with the OPW and the other State bodies who will be sharing this facility, with a view to ensuring that the design meets all legislative requirements, works as efficiently and effectively as possible and maximises value for money, in particular through the sharing of facilities where this is provided for by the legislation.
