Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Rosslare Europort is a priority. As the Deputy knows, the Government has, since 2018, made significant investment in the infrastructure and systems at Rosslare Europort. Substantial work is complete on a number of projects, including new inspection bays, HGV parking spaces and live animal inspection facilities. Further facilities will come on line before the end of the year. A big warehouse facility is due to be finished before the end of the year. Shipping companies have been looking at potential direct routes from Dublin and Rosslare to the Single Market and to various ports on the EU mainland, if one wants to call it that. However, without doubt the fastest way to get fresh and chilled goods to market quickly, if the land bridge can be used efficiently and without significant blockages in queueing systems, is to drive across the UK and use shorter ferry routes. We want to try to ensure the land bridge can be used efficiently in the future but we expect some teething problems. That has been predicted for some time and I have no evidence to suggest that the issues will be easily ironed out. Both options will be looked at by traders but we want to have a smooth land bridge across the UK in the post-Brexit period.

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