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Brexit Workshop Reveals Findings and Recommendations for Marine Connectivity

16th November 2019

A workshop event in preparation for Brexit was hosted by the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) with the support of the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).

The aim of the workshop was to allow shipping and port companies, importers and exporters to discuss maritime connectivity, trade patterns and capacity demands in a no-deal Brexit scenario.

The workshop took place in Dublin on 4th September in order to create further opportunities for a dialogue between importers, exporters, ports, and shipping and logistics companies.

According to the IMDO, the workshop was a hugely successful event attended by key people from a number of different industries including the ports, shipping companies, the food and drink industry, the haulage industry, the transport and distribution sectors, and relevant Government Departments.

The dialogue on the day was very constructive and everyone who attended was given the opportunity to clearly express their views. The main issue highlighted on the day is the pressing need for a dialogue to begin between the importers and exports and the shipping companies to establish the demand post-Brexit.

Following the workshop, click here for findings and recommendations concluded from DTTAS and the IMDO.

Published in Irish Ports
Jehan Ashmore

About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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As an island economy, a healthy maritime sector is key to our national competitiveness. Virtually all our imports and exports pass through Irish ports.

Ireland is dependent on ports and shipping services to transport goods and 90% of our trade is moved though Irish ports. Shipping and maritime transport services make a significant contribution to Ireland’s ocean economy, with the sector generating €2.3 billion in turnover and employing over 5,000 people in 2018.

Ireland’s maritime industry continues to grow and progress each year with Irish ports and shipping companies making significant investments. The ports sector in Ireland is currently undergoing a number of expansions and developments with Dublin Port’s Alexandra Basin development, the development of Ringaskiddy in Cork by Port of Cork and the development of Shannon Foynes Port. Along with these major investments, shipping companies are also investing heavily in new tonnage, with Irish Ferries, CLdN and Stena leading new build programmes.

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A recent study carried out for the Irish Ports Association (IPA) totalled 75.7 billion during 2004 and their net economic impact was some 5.5 billion supporting around 57, 500 full time employees.

Liam Lacey, Director of the Marine Institute’s Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) said, “The Irish maritime industry can look to the future with confidence. It has shown itself to be resilient and agile in responding to challenges. Over the past decade, it has had to respond to the challenges of the financial crisis of 2008, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and recent challenges. Ireland’s maritime sector has continued to underpin our economy by maintaining vital shipping links for both trade and tourism.”