#FerryNews - The Irish Times writes the Government needs to “immediately move” to bolster and diversify transport links to the European Union, the Labour Party has said.

Labour party leader Brendan Howlin said the Government is “standing idly by” while the UK is awarding contracts to charter additional ferry capacity. His comments came as it emerged that the UK will spend more than £100 million (€111m) chartering extra ferries to ease congestion at Dover, in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

“At the same time we have already seen a passive Irish Government response to the decision by Irish Ferries to withdraw from next summer, a direct ferry service to Europe from Rosslare to Cherbourg, France, and ensure a diversity of service,” the Wexford TD said.

“Ireland is now in danger of becoming over reliant on Dublin Port while reducing the potential of the port closest to the EU.”

“Instead it focuses on ensuring the landbridge is kept open, but as we can now see the UK has already charted extra ferries while the Irish Government is only engaging ‘with shipping companies to explore new connectivity and capacity options in response to Brexit’, as their own document published last week says,” Mr Howlin added.

“I am seriously concerned at the lack of strategic planning and foresight in Government about the need to take direct action to secure and enhance our connectivity to the EU.”

As Afloat previously covered the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has signed contracts with the following operators, French firm Brittany Ferries, Danish company DFDS and the UK’s Seaborne to ease pressure on Dover.

More on the story here.