Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Impact of Brexit on Haulage, Freight, the Ports and Ferry Companies: Discussion

Mr. Christophe Mathieu:

As I said in my earlier statement, the decision was because we wanted to go to Rosslare Europort. We felt that there was more potential, after a few months of trying Cork. When Brexit materialises, we will see exactly what level of demand there is for a route between Ireland and Spain, with a specific market for Cork. We decided that we had to try Rosslare because we were quite frustrated with the low volume going to Cork, with 30 to 35 units per crossing. Now we have gone to more than 60. I am sure it is not only related to Rosslare but the fact that Irish logistics are preparing for the reality post Brexit. We have a great relationship with the Port of Cork and, as I said earlier, we are doubling the capacity with the MV Armorique, as of March, when we will offer two crossings a week between Cork and Roscoff. The MV Armoriquehas a more balanced capacity between passengers and freight but there will be capacity between Cork and Roscoff as of March in addition to the historical connection to Cork. We are now moving away from Cork. We decided that it was wiser to try to build up the traffic out of Rosslare but we are doubling the capacity at Cork.

We will closely watch the evolution of demand in the weeks following Brexit and everything is possible. Let me reiterate there will be two crossings a week to Cork.

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