A new ferry service between Rosslare and France is 'manna from heaven', according to independent Wexford TD Verona Murphy.
Deputy Murphy says it will be a 'real game changer' for many hauliers as they face the prospect of new customs checks and procedures after Brexit.
The six-day per week service - announced today by logistics firm DFDS - will begin on January 2nd, 2021, with the direct journey to Dunkirk to take 24 hours.
Deputy Murphy said that's longer than using the UK landbridge, but provides more certainty at a time when there are increased fears of potentially significant delays when travelling between the UK and EU.
Speaking on The Hard Shoulder, the Wexford TD said new British customs procedure will be 'very arduous' for many companies - but there's now a way to 'circumvent' passing through the UK.
She said: "Drivers will be able to descend from the ferry, and go to the destination, without any provision of customs, [agriculture] checks or anything like that.
"This is recognition by one of the largest ferry companies in Europe, DFDS - which I'm rebranding by the way to Daily Ferry Direct Service, which is what I've been calling for."
She said there's now a need for significant investment in Rosslare Europort, as it's been "hugely neglected by successive governments".
Deputy Murphy - a former president of the Irish Road Haulage Association - says there's now a need for the Government to ensure the port is upgraded.
She's previously called for Dublin Port operations to be relocated to Rosslare, due to the high levels of air pollution in parts of Dublin and the challenges in growing the port in the capital.
