Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

134. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role he sees for sea and air transport in the future, with particular reference to issues arising in the aftermath of Brexit; if specific sea and air routes are being considered in order to ensure the most effective and efficient routes and transport methods for Irish exporters and importers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland’s international trade is dependent on the efficiency of our international transport connections.

While the EU-UK Trade Agreement did not significantly alter the framework within which the shipping sector operates, the exit of the UK from the EU has had a significant effect to date on historical trade flow patterns.

Since the beginning of 2021 we have witnessed an unprecedented demand from businesses for direct shipping services to continental EU ports. The response from shipping operators has been comprehensive and has occurred across all relevant modes and has drawn from all available responses. These responses include (1) utilization of surplus capacity, (2) increasing capacity by altering schedules, (3) redeploying vessels within their fleets, and (4) adding new capacity in the form of additional vessels.

This increase in demand and response is evidenced by the fact that this month to date, there are around 68 RoRo freight sailings in a typical week. This includes all five shipping operators and both accompanied and unaccompanied freight. This represents an increase of around 42 sailings per week compared to February 2020.

The new direct services and routes have given Irish importers and exporters additional choice and a range of effective and efficient options to avoid any current disruption being experienced on the UK landbridge. The market remains dynamic but has demonstrated it is willing and able to respond to the changing needs of business and I would expect that it will continue to do so as the market settles.

In terms of aviation, the EU-UK Trade Agreement provides for the continuation of air access for passenger and air freight services between Ireland and UK and no significant Brexit related issues have been reported in this sector. Approximately 60% of all air cargo travels in the hold of passenger aircraft operating regular scheduled air services, with the remainder travelling with dedicated air cargo operators or smaller air operators. With so many passenger services suspended, I am aware that demand for air cargo capacity has increased which has increased the price per kilo of air cargo by several factors. Despite this, key air routes ensuring Ireland’s connectivity for essential reasons, including import and export, continue to operate.