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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Ceisteanna (70)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his Department continue to measure the impact of Brexit to date on the transportation, importation and export of goods; if particular issues have arisen which might require a specific response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1833/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is continuously monitoring the impacts of Brexit on our imports and exports, particularly in terms of the transportation of goods to market.  The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has, of course, overarching responsibility for trade matters.

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.

The decline in volumes on the shipping routes on the Central and Southern maritime routes, is a matter of some concern and my Department is closely monitoring the situation and is engagint frequently with the operators on these routes.  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.

As part of heightened preparedness for Brexit in late 2020 and in the first few weeks of this year, Officials from my Department participated in frequent, and where necessary daily monitoring and oversight meetings with all Departments and relevant agencies represented. My Department continues to be in frequent contact with industry stakeholders and the relevant State Bodies to get live updates on the current situation at our Ports and Airports, and on the road transport network.

I am aware that 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 agencies are engaging directly – whether with the companies, representative organisations or individuals – to get the issues resolved. 

I am also aware that the agencies have engaged extensively with the ferry companies, and the road haulage and logistics representative bodies and continue to do so. To respond to particular concerns for the haulage and logistics sector, a new joint forum comprising of Revenue and DAFM has been established with the IRHA to discuss and where possible mitigate issues of concern. Revenue have adapted their systems based on feedback from traders and implemented new or revised processes. 

Stakeholder fora for both groups, hosted by my Department, continue to meet weekly and comprises representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, and the HSE.  This has allowed for the sharing of relevant information with stakeholders and for constructive discussion. In addition, the Departments and agencies engage with the ferry operators, and the road haulage and logistics representative bodies continuously on an ad hoc basis as issues arise.

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