Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There has been extensive engagement with all stakeholders in this regard. We are doing all the work we can. It is important that those who export engage with ferry companies, which have said direct ferry sailings options are available. My Department has been very active in encouraging all such elements.

There has been significant co-operation with the Department of Transport because of the issues that would arise. Following the end of the transition period, goods moving across the UK land bridge must be placed under customs transit procedures to maintain their Union status, as the Deputy will be aware. The Commission's delegated regulation requires that official controls and checks be performed on animals and goods re-entering the Union if they go through the UK land bridge. This means that, regardless of the measures that have been taken, it is highly likely that traffic using the land bridge will be impacted by delays at key ports immediately after the end of the transition period. Every effort is being made to avoid a no-trade deal. If those scenarios arise, we are preparing for every eventuality.

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