Exporters, hauliers, and maritime experts are concerned that the situation for cross-channel transport will worsen next week.
Passenger traffic is likely to increases for the holiday, further straining a system that is already under pressure with the closure of Holyhead Port in the wake of Storm Darragh.
The continuing closure of the port has led to a backlog of hundreds of trucks and trailers waiting to cross to Ireland which is causing major disruptions to supply chains, especially for time-sensitive goods like fresh produce and consumer electronics.
The situation is further complicated by Brexit as the new customs requirements make it difficult to reroute freight through other ports, haulier Darran Murphy told RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show.
Simon McKeever of the Exporters Association added that there were also trucks at Dublin Port waiting to go to the UK with goods and the lack of a government at present, who could coordinate with the UK authorities, compounded the issue.
There was also frustration at the lack of coordination and clear information from the authorities on when Holyhead Port will reopen.
Maritime expert Sean Boyce said that the incident highlighted the vulnerability of the UK and Ireland's port infrastructure and the need for greater investment and planning to improve resilience. He also pointed out that there is not a Minister for the Marine.
