Louth hauliers fear border chaos
Fears that a hard border will lead to the introduction of customs checks have been raised by local haulage companies who are facing the uncertainty of preparing for Brexit.
Louth TD Declan Breacthnach said hauliers have been highlighting how the local economy will be ‘very negatively’ impacted by a no deal Brexit.
‘ There are many haulage firms based in Louth, and they have a lot to fear in the event of a no-deal Brexit with a consequent hard border.’
‘I spoke to some of them this week, and concerns raised in every conversation, related to the inevitable need for customs checks.’
He explained: ‘ Maximum facilitation of ‘Max Fac’ will not cut out the need for physical examination of goods. Human checks on goods cannot be avoided and anybody claiming otherwise is deluded.’
‘Another haulage contractor in Louth I spoke to outlined the fear that such customs stops could add on two hours or more to each journey, each way. He said that could change the days journey from a profitable days work to a non-profitable one.’
They all fear the unknown at present. Nobody knows what a hard border will actually entail. Fears expressed outlined the need for more administration, pre-registration for customs checks, and the unknown requirements placed on them from various government departments, who will have specific requirements in relation to transport of goods,’ said the Louth TD.
‘Contractors I spoke to also outlined the need for permits to cross the border, and that the amount of permits which are estimated to be issued to the sector as a whole is only a fraction of the amount which will actually be required, and fears were expressed regarding the system for getting these permits.’
It is estimated that some 13,000 heavy goods vehicles cross the border in both directions each day.
‘Ireland relies heavily on our export business with the UK and Northern Ireland and continued growth of this market, especially our agri and dairy sector is vital.’
We need to listen to the fears expressed by those on the ground involved in the transport industry who are left in the dark as to what the future holds.’