Flextension: the new Brexit timelines

The Brexit calendar shifted again this week when the EU27 agreed a flexible extension, pushing Brexit Day back for a third time to 31 October 2019. We take a look at what this new flexible extension (‘flextension’) might mean for the transport industry, what could happen next, and how best to prepare for the months […]

What’s in Coveney’s Omnibus Brexit Bill?

Last week, Tánaiste Simon Coveney announced an Irish Brexit Omnibus Bill to cover the event of a no-deal Brexit. It’s a record-breaking bill in terms of its size and scope: 74 pages, split into 15 sections, affecting 9 government departments. We look at what the bill covers, and its relevance to the Irish Transport sector. […]

IDPs, CPCs & ECMTs: Compliance for UK Drivers

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29 March, there’s a risk that professional drivers with UK-issued licences may need to apply for a new set of documents to cover EU journeys. According to the latest UK government guidance, commercial drivers with a UK licence may need an IDP to travel in […]

A No Deal Brexit is now the most likely outcome

The chances of a No Deal Brexit increased dramatically overnight when the UK Parliament formally voted against the 585 page EU Withdrawal Bill. There is no alternative proposal to the EU Withdrawal Bill, and with Brexit Day just 10 weeks away, Theresa May’s government faces a vote of no confidence at 7pm tonight. As of […]

The IEA’s Annual Report: Preparations for Brexit

The Irish Exporters Association have just released a summary of their activities in 2018. It will come as no surprise that Brexit preparations have taken centre stage, as is right and proper given what will happen on 29 March of this year. Safeguarding our industry’s future For those of us on the front lines, the […]

No Deal or No Deal: our latest Brexit projections

It’s been a very busy few weeks for Theresa May. Forced to cancel a trip to Ireland at the last minute to face down a leadership battle within her own party, more recently she’s been battling calls of no confidence from the UK’s opposition benches. Mrs May is still standing, but the political infighting hasn’t […]

Avoiding the hard border – is direct shipping the answer?

    There is a cloud of uncertainty hanging over many Irish transport firms these days. This stems from the previously-discussed Brexit result, which leaves the Transport industry in Ireland with some major problems. The potential Hard Border between the UK and Ireland would have a massive negative impact on Irish Transport, and the Irish […]

Cork Port – Containers to Cruise liners

In 2016 the volume of traffic through Cork Port decreased slightly from 2015 traffic reaching 9.2million tonnes. Imports remained steady whilst export figures decreased slightly mainly due to the closure of Lissheen Mines, and the halt of exporting lead and zinc through the port. Whilst the container traffic figures are encouraging, there was an impressive […]

Know your limits!

Irish Rail have reported an increase in railway bridge strikes by trucks in 2016, with the total looking set to have increased from 85 hit in 2015.  It is not always obvious what damaged has been caused , but it can be serious and costly to all involved not to mention the chance of injury. […]