The Clare-based President of the Irish Road Hauliers Association is warning of a period of unprecedented disruption for the movement of goods out of Ireland over the coming four weeks.
Ennis Haulier Eugene Drennan is appearing before the Oireachtas Transport and Communications Networks Committee, which is discussing the impact of Brexit on haulage, freight, the ports and ferry companies.
It comes as the European Commission President has said there’s now a narrow path to a Brexit agreement.
Appearing before the Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee, the President of the Irish Road Hauliage Association has warned that there will be catastrophic consequences if new customs controls aren’t streamlined.
Eugene Drennan has told the committee that Irish road hauliers have responded to the needs of customers, providing an efficient service and that every effort must be made to ensure that isn’t jeopardised.
The Association is calling for a single agency to take responsibility for the free movement of traffic at ports and for ferry services to be staggered, to allow for the movement of goods.
He’s also called for regulations to be relaxed, particularly tacograph rules and for all state agencies to deploy adequate resources to ensure delays are minimised.
Eugene Drennan fears the current situation will be a logistical nightmare.
Meanwhile, the President of the European Commission says there is a narrow path to a Brexit agreement.
Talks are continuing between the EU and UK with hopes agreement can be reached before the transition period finishes at the end of the month.
It comes as British media is reporting that MPs are preparing to delay their Christmas break in order to debate a possible deal.
Speaking to the EU Parliament this morning, Ursula von der Leyen says they need to find agreement on fisheries and the level playing field.
