Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 6 February 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Impact of Brexit on Transport Sector: Discussion

Photo of John O'MahonyJohn O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the information he has provided on the aviation and road haulage sectors, on the corporate structure of the airlines and on the landbridge. It appears that travel in these sectors between here and Northern Ireland is not going to be as seamless as for rail and bus passengers. A year ago, I asked the Minister whether flights would be grounded in the event of no deal and what he has told us today suggests that will not happen. He mentioned a 12-month transition period, provided the UK reciprocates, a seven-month transition period for the airline companies to restructure and nine months for the road haulage sector to clear its issues. This is very welcome because at least it means we will not fall off a cliff on 29 March. I gather that these periods were granted following representations made by the Irish Government to the EU, and not by the UK, which is interesting and relates to the point made by Senator Ó Céidigh about the suggestion to businesses in the North that they seek information from the South landing in our lap again.

The Minister stated that these arrangements would not mitigate the overall impact of a no-deal scenario. Can he explain what will not be mitigated? He indicated that the aviation industry was fully aware of the position but was also aware that not everything it wished for would be possible. To what does that refer? A change in the corporate structure of the airlines was mentioned. Ryanair has taken steps in that regard. Are many companies involved in such a process at the moment?

How does the Minister envisage the outcome as it affects the landbridge and the road haulage industry? The throughput of road hauliers on the landbridge to the UK is a huge issue, particularly in the context of perishable goods. How does the Minister believe that can be resolved satisfactorily? I welcome the news that there will be transition periods in which to get these issues resolved.

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