A CLEAN BREAK FOR TRUCKERS
New port toilets and showers over Brexit delays
TOILET and shower facilities are being provided for lorry drivers experiencing lengthy delays at Dublin Port due to Brexit.
New customs rules introduced as a result of the UK’S departure from the EU have created backlogs, as businesses and freight companies grapple with the added red tape.
Some drivers have experienced delays of up to 36 hours, according to Revenue officials, with additional supports now being provided.
Tom Talbot, head of Revenue’s customs operations at Dublin Port, said: “There are a number of drivers who potentially are in the port for a number of hours.
“What we have done in both terminal seven and terminal 11, where customs operates, there are facilities there for drivers... there are toilets and showers.
“Within a couple of hundred yards of where the trucks are parked, there’s a commercial operation, a shop there that supplies food and hot food. So there are facilities onsite in Dublin Port.”
Despite this, Revenue officials insist the situation at the ports is improving. Around 80% of trade into Ireland from the UK is being “green routed” or cleared without delay.
The remaining 20% is being routed to orange or red channels, which require further documentation and checks before leaving the port.
This is an increase from around 76% of goods receiving green clearance last week and around 45% the week before that.
Despite the disruptions to the supply chain, Department of Trade official Declan Hughes has said there is no reason to expect any significant shortages of goods.
He added: “This last couple of days was again an improvement on the previous weekend and product is coming through. We are having, as I said, maybe isolated issues with particular products but in overall terms at this stage we are not being appraised of significant issues.”
He was speaking at a multi-agency Brexit briefing at Dublin Port.
Freight trade is currently operating at around 50% of the normal rate, due to a myriad of issues including Covid-19 travel restrictions, stockpiling and businesses coming to terms with the new rules.
Revenue expect this to increase over the coming weeks, but insist they are prepared.
Department of Agriculture official Hazel Sheridan said: “In terms of the infrastructure and the staffing, those estimates were based on 2019 trade levels. So we’re ready to roll whenever that increase in trade comes.”
However, officials ruled out a six-month adjustment period as called for by the Irish Freight Transport Association.
Mr Talbot said: “The UK left the European Union, that’s a fact. So there is no scope for pause, the date is passed.”
The UK left the EU, that’s a fact. So there is no scope for pause
TOM TALBOT
DUBLIN YESTERDAY