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Rosslare Port has been confirmed as a designated border inspection point that can cater for live animal inspections.
The news has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Robert Troy TD, who said it was an important for the “underutilised port”.
With just nine days to go before Brexit, a hard Brexit is looking increasingly likely.
“Rosslare is the second-busiest Irish port for 'roll-on, roll-off' traffic. It handles 130,000 road freight units a year, the bulk of that – about 100,000 units – going in and out of Britain using the land bridge. Despite this, the port itself has much unrealised potential,” Troy said.
“Four acres have been earmarked for the provision of 13 inspection bays for trucks, 35 truck parking spots and a dedicated border control post for live animals.
“The Commission has yet to approve Rosslare for the importation of live animals and this is something the Minster needs to engage with them on to ensure a positive outcome.”
There is also an issue around the ownership of Rosslare Port, with the UK government essentially owning a large share through the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbour Company.
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