Rosslare Europort is particularly well-placed for development. It is the shortest sea route for goods and passengers to continental Europe from Ireland and it is ideally positioned to expand and grow in post-Brexit.

In particular there is major potential for Rosslare to become a significant port for the transportation of agriculture and food products. It has applied to the Department of Agriculture for the necessary designations and inspection facilities to support this.

Project Ireland 2040 promises to improve connectivity to Rosslare Europort and to complete the development of the N11 from Oilgate to Rosslare. I want to support the work of Rosslare Europort as its grow and develop.

The growth and development of Rosslare Europort is hugely important for trade in Ireland and the EU.

I also welcomes the news that more than 1000 extra full-time customs and veterinary inspectors are to be employed as part of the Government’s contingency plans for Brexit. The roles will be for all of the country’s six ports and three airports.

These posts will support additional measures needed at our ports in preparation for a changed trading relationship with Britain post Brexit.

Recently at the EU a comprehensive reform package for transport workers was proposed by the European Parliament. They include better working conditions for drivers, including clarifications on minimum wage and rest.