A new Covid-19 testing site has opened today (Monday, February 1) in Holmestown in Wexford for hauliers travelling by ferry from Ireland to France.

Following a decision by the French government, drivers must have evidence of a negative Covid-19 test obtained within 72 hours of embarking a ferry from Ireland direct to France.

Testing sites now open at Holmestown, Gorey and Dublin Airport

There are now three dedicated testing sites open for hauliers, light goods vehicle drivers and coach drivers travelling from Dublin and Rosslare ports direct to France.

The antigen tests are free and can be taken at the following locations:

  • Holmestown Waste Management facility, Wexford;
  • Gorey (Circle K) motorway service area, Wexford;
  • Dublin Airport’s Blue Long Stay Car Park.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that direct services to the continent “are a critical part of Ireland’s supply chain”.

“To make it easier for our hauliers to meet the requirements set by France, we have now established another dedicated antigen testing centre at Holmestown in Wexford which is free of charge,” the minister said.

All three sites at Dublin, Gorey and Holmestown are now open and we invite drivers heading to France to pre-book their test at the facilities.

These services will allow drivers to take a test with results available within the hour.

Drivers are encouraged to pre-book their test online as early as possible and to bring proof of their ferry booking to these sites when attending for a Covid-19 test, along with a form of photo identification, ideally their digital tachograph card.

Further information

Testing is available for hauliers at other RocDoc facilities around the country; however, drivers will need to access these other facilities by car.

Drivers may also get tested at the many private facilities available around the country, as long as these tests meet the French requirements, but these costs will not be covered by the state.

Drivers will also need to carry with them a signed ‘declaration of honour’ form for the French authorities, confirming that he/she has no Covid-19 symptoms and that he/she has not been a close contact of a person who has tested positive for Covid-19 in the previous 14 days.

The completed declaration of honour form must also be shown to the ferry operator before boarding and to French authorities if requested upon arrival.