Every truck leaving the country since Brexit is costing the haulier an extra €500, according to independent TD for Limerick Richard O’Donoghue.
Deputy O’Donoghue, a member of the Rural Independent Group (RIG), highlighted the “horrors that Irish hauliers are currently facing”, stating:
“Brexit was just three months ago, and to the bureaucrats it is like it never happened.
“Do they not realise, that since Brexit, Ireland is the most disadvantaged country in Europe? We are clearly disadvantaged at so many levels.
“Every truck going out of Ireland since Brexit is costing a haulier €500 extra – absolutely crippling.
O’Donoghue noted that there has been a “marked increase” in ferry prices, and the “hoops” needed to actually journey between Ireland and Europe, which he said is leading to “unnecessary increase” in time travel and the knock-on associated wage costs.
The TD continued, asking: “Why are hauliers still dealing with a paper-based T Form, instead of digital, like the rest of Europe?
“Requirements should be effortlessly modern, and technology based. It’s set to force many out of the haulage industry. We need concessions to the Mobility European Act regarding air, sea, trains – why is this not being asked for by our government?
“Try driving around Europe with a perishable product like shellfish and you need to find a customs agent?
“The Porto Social Summit promised a successful digital transition whereby nobody is left behind in a digital economy, only Ireland has been left behind, and left behind badly.”
Concluding, O’Donoghue highlighted that backloads – which allow for an empty vehicle to transport goods on its return journey – are currently impossible, thus “eliminating the financial lifeline of many” in the transport industry.