Brexit poses huge challenges for Ireland
The transition period for Brexit ends on December 31. This will affect Ireland more than any other EU member state. But hopes are strong that it will at least not reignite the conflict in Northern Ireland.
This sign in Derry, Northern Ireland, called Londonderry by unionists, calls for reunification with Ireland
Geographically speaking, Ireland is located at the northwestern margin of the European Union. But as far as Brexit is concerned, it is the bloc s focal point: If the relatively insignificant overseas territory of Gibraltar is left out of the equation, the republic is the only member state with a land border to the United Kingdom.
Brittany Ferries asked if it can repatriate Irish lorry drivers Hauliers say French travel ban exposes lack of capacity on direct ferries to mainland EU
Tue, Dec 22, 2020, 01:00
Simon Carswell Public Affairs Editor Listen now 3:20
Police and port staff turn away vehicles from the Port of Dover in Kent. Photograph: Steve Parsons/ PA Wire
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Irish and French government officials have had contact with Brittany Ferries about running a ferry from France to repatriate Irish lorry drivers stranded in Europe by France’s Covid travel ban on Britain should the need arise.
Stena adds second ship to direct service from Ireland to France Shipping line brings forward Brexit plans to double capacity on Rosslare-Cherbourg route
Mon, Dec 21, 2020, 11:42 Updated: Mon, Dec 21, 2020, 11:43
Both Stena ships will sail on Tuesday to alleviate the pressure on Irish transport companies and add capacity to direct routes to mainland Europe.
Shipping operator Stena Line is adding a second ferry on its direct route between Ireland and France from Tuesday to allow hauliers avoid Britain and Covid-related travel restrictions.
The company said it would be bringing forward plans to double the capacity and frequency of its direct sailings by two weeks from an original planned January 4th start date to cope with demand for post-Brexit freight traffic.
Committee to Hear Hauliers Facing Catastrophic Consequences Over Brexit
16th December 2020
Drivers will face checks from Revenue, the Dept. of Agriculture, the HSE and An Garda Síochána. Above truck trailers at one of Dublin Port s ferry terminals located at Alexandra Basin which in recent years began redevelopment as part of the port s Masterplan to cater for increased capacity and larger ships. AFLOAT also adds in this scene taken in April (on right) ropax ferries of P&O serving the Irish Sea link to Liverpool and in the background CLdN s freight-only ro-ro Celine connecting directly to mainland Europe.
Credit: DPC-twitter