James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, the land bridge is the quickest and most secure route if it can be kept open. I believe a sea bridge between Rosslare and Cherbourg or Roscoff needs to be developed and secured. Has the Minister had discussions with his French counterparts or the French ambassador about securing additional routes or creating a sea bridge between Rosslare and France to ensure there is an alternative route to get our goods to France? Even creating a sea bridge would create leverage on the UK Government to keep the land bridge open as we would not be totally dependent on the UK land bridge.

I acknowledge there have been significant developments around Rosslare Europort in recent times. The port was neglected for a long time but the development of the M11 towards Rosslare Europort as an access road, the submission by Iarnród Éireann of planning applications to develop the port and the establishment of border inspection posts mean the port is moving in the right direction. However, it needs continued focus. The opportunity to develop the port should be taken.

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