Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
402. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reply to correspondence from this Deputy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49243/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I have replied to the correspondence in question. In relation to the subject matter of the correspondence, I can confirm that there is no change to the status of the border control post (BCP) at Shannon Airport. The BCP remains fully operational, staffed, and ready to process consignments requiring SPS checks that land at Shannon Airport. As the BCP remains fully operational, there is no requirement for businesses to transport goods that arrive in Shannon, to Dublin Airport for checks.
Shannon had never been designated as the first point of arrival for consignments landing at Dublin Airport. Whilst issues around the construction of a BCP at Dublin Airport were being resolved, an exceptional arrangement was put in place whereby products that landed in Dublin Airport were sent by truck for clearance at the BCP in Shannon. This arrangement could not continue indefinitely, as it is not in compliance with the requirements of EU legislation.
As ever, staff in my Department's Import Controls Operations Division remain available to assist businesses in complying with their legal obligations. Should any individual businesses have issues, I would advise that they contact staff in the headquarters of that division in Dublin Port.
