merrion street

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D., welcomes the announcement by the European Commission that it intends to extend two regulations which will guarantee Ireland's immediate aviation and road transport connectivity in the event of a 'no-deal' Brexit.

The regulations were originally adopted by the EU in early 2019 and were due to come into effect on 29 March, 2019. The first of the regulations provided for continued 'point to point' aviation connectivity between the United Kingdom and the European Union, including Ireland and would have expired on 30 March, 2020, while the second provided for the continuation of international road haulage and cross-border bus services and would have expired on 31 December, 2019. The regulations were time-bound and the potential deferment of Brexit until 31 October meant that the measures would expire prematurely. The announcement by the Commission extends arrangements for international road haulage and cross-border bus services until 31 July 2020, and aviation until 24 October, 2020.

Minister Ross said: 

We have been working with our European partners over the last three years to ensure that the impact of Brexit on Ireland is minimised and mitigated as much as possible.  The announcement by the Commission will give certainty to transport operators about continuity of services in aviation, cross-border bus and international road haulage. This announcement shows again that the EU is fully behind Ireland and recognises our importance as a Member State at the heart of the Single Market, while remaining conscious of our unique geographic position.