Republic of Ireland truckers are calling on the Irish government to subsidise expensive direct routes to the EU Continent that have become more popular since Brexit.
Ireland’s Independent newspaper reports that the Freight Transport Association of Ireland (FTAI) has asked the Irish government to use the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to lower costs.
A recommendation was made in the FTAI’s submission to the Irish government’s 10-year haulage strategy.
Aidan Flynn, the general manager of the FTAI, said Ireland’s connectivity and ability to participate fully as an EU member with continental Europe, had been challenged due to Brexit.
Double the cost
Flynn said it typically cost around €1,400 to €1,500 for hauliers to use a direct-to-EU route – twice the cost of the traditional ‘land bridge’ route across Britain which costs around €700 to €800. The FTAI wants the subsidy should cover up to 30% of the cost.
As reported in IOE&IT’s Daily Updates, freight from Ireland is increasingly avoiding the land bridge due to disruption at ports and increased paperwork.
IOE&IT Daily Updates also reported that trade between Ireland and GB had been “significantly altered”
by Brexit, with Irish Maritime Development Office figures showing a drop of 29% in ferry freight in the first half of the year.
