David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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229. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the ports of Rosslare and Waterford in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47418/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Irish ports operate as independent commercial companies and planning and preparations in the context of Brexit are operational matters for the ports. I have therefore forwarded the question to the Port of Waterford Company and, with regard to Rosslare Europort, to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.

The impact of Brexit on shipping and on Irish ports will be dependent on the outcome of EU-UK negotiations. Ports are aware of the possible negative implications Brexit may have on the movement of goods and people and are working with relevant agencies to try and avoid undue delays. In line with normal business planning, ports review their infrastructural requirements on a regular basis.

My Department held a Workshop in April on the impact of Brexit on maritime transport, regulation and on the sectors on which this impacts. Stakeholders, including Rosslare Europort and Waterford Port, were invited from organisations across the broader maritime sector, such as merchant shipping, national shipping, fishing vessels, recreational craft, ports, equipment suppliers, service providers and training providers.

In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), is commencing a study into the use of the UK Land bridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of this research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK Land bridge at present, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on Land bridge usage and the various alternative options that may be viable. I expect this piece of research to be completed in Q1 of 2018.

My officials will continue to work with the maritime sector and with other stakeholders to identify and plan for the implications of Brexit.