Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have met the ferry companies on various occasions, as have my officials. It is important that we have contact with the ferry companies, given that the landbridge could be a flashpoint. It is anticipated that there could be difficulties if there are queues at Dover. The question for the ferry companies has been whether they would be able to provide the additional capacity that might be necessary in the event of queues at Dover, other British ports and elsewhere and hauliers deciding to take a direct route to the Continent. The companies have assured us that they would have the capacity to take the extra demand and that they would respond rapidly to queues and difficulties at ports as a result of the landbridge.

There are alternatives to the landbridge. There is air freight, but that is probably only for high-value, low-volume freight. There is lo-lo, which will obviously take longer. There are direct routes to the Continent that can be taken. We are looking at these alternatives aggressively. Communication with ferry companies has been ongoing for months. We are confident that the necessary measures will be ready if we need them.

See this speech in context