Port manager says passport controls won’t be a problem
GENERAL manager of Rosslare Europort John Lynch doesn’t believe that Brexit will have any large effect on travel through Rosslare.
Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, John said that he doesn’t envision any major changes in terms of border controls but believes that we can’t be sure until further down the line.
‘Nothing changed on Friday and nothing will until whatever day the deal is done,’ he said.
‘I don’t really expect any big change or impact in terms or border controls. Obviously they will be trying to clamp down on illegal immigrants but I don’t think holidaymakers or businesspeople will be impacted.’ Passengers travelling between Ireland and the UK have long enjoyed the benefits of the common travel area between the two countries, meaning that those travelling to and from Rosslare are not required to show passports. However, with the decision of the UK to leave the EU, such passengers now may face border controls in the future. Despite this, John doesn’t believe it will have much of an impact on passengers coming through the port.
‘I think nowadays, most people have a passport. There are some statistics that about 95 per cent of Americans don’t have a passport but I reckon 99 per cent of Irish and British people do have one,’ he said. ‘So I don’t think having to have a passport is going to have an impact. If people fly, they usually face passport control anyway so it’s not a big deal.’
In terms of freight movement through the port, John believes that Britain’s move may prove beneficial as it will make the continental corridor more attractive for freight movement.
‘People can see the problems or the opportunities and I am one to see the opportunities,’ he said. ‘I was speaking with a haulier recently who was very excited about the direct corridor. He felt that it offers a huge opportunity for his business and other businesses.’
‘People are seeing traffic patterns changing and saying “I’d like to get a piece of that”’.
Though he acknowledges that exchange rate shifts as the result of Brexit will increase the cost of travel for UK visitors, John expects that things will even out.
‘In the long run, I expect it to equalise,’ he said. ‘ The most important thing in terms of exchange rates is stability. When they find a new level and remain stable over time, passenger and freight traffic will even out.’
(Amy Lewis)