Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
667. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has formally discussed with his European counterparts the prospect of more direct maritime links between Ireland and continental Europe; if so, the details of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7122/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met a number of my counterparts in relation to direct maritime connectivity to continental ports.
I met my French counterpart, Minister Elisabeth Borne, on Brexit matters in Dublin on 23 November 2018. I highlighted the importance of transport connectivity and Ireland’s concerns in particular in relation to the continued use of the UK landbridge when the UK leaves the EU. We discussed also the potential implications for ports both in Ireland and in France given the levels of trade that both of our countries have with the UK. Minister Borne shared many of my concerns and said that France, like Ireland, was preparing for all scenarios, including facilitation of EU and Irish traffic at Calais.
In May 2018, I met both Professor Péter Balázs, the EU Coordinator for the North-Sea Mediterranean TEN-T Corridor, and Brian Simpson, the EU Coordinator for the Motorways of the Sea programme. Brexit and maritime connectivity was a key point on the agenda and we discussed their views in particular in relation to CEF and Motorways of the Sea funding and opportunities. Both Coordinators were cognisant of the unique challenges facing Ireland as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.
In October 2017, I met the EU Transport Commissioner, Ms Violeta Bulc, during her visit to Ireland and raised with her Ireland's concerns in relation to the implications of Brexit for transport and connectivity.
