Tom Talbot gives a briefing on the operation of Dublin Port (Julien Behal/PA)
He told a briefing on Monday: “It’s the unknown, will there be delays? That’s why we’re emphasising today to everybody to get ready for this.
“Preparation really is the key. We’ve learned that, if nothing else, from the 1st of January. Those who were prepared and have everything in place, it worked and it worked very well. Others are still catching up.
“In terms of are there going to be delays, I really have to emphasise, everybody in that supply chain today – not tomorrow, don’t leave it a week, don’t leave it a month – look today.
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Mr Drennan said one IRHA member has had a trailer waiting to clear customs since 17 January because inspectors were “too busy” to process it.
He said the delays were having an impact “across the board” on supplies of component parts, agriculture and fisheries as well as retail and parcel delivery.
Hauliers are due to meet with the government later this week to try to overcome the difficulties.
Revenue said on Monday that 79pc of imports are being cleared through customs at Dublin Port without requiring extra checks.
A further 15pc of goods required documentation checks and 6pc were also subject to physical or veterinary checks.
09.42 19 Jan 2021
It s been 3 weeks since Britain left the EU on December the 31st, but some Lorry Drivers are still having to wait 24 hours in their cabs to get through Customs at Dublin Port. 81% of goods are now being Green Routed when they arrive. Leaving 19% needing additional checks because they don t have the correct paperwork and failed to realise how complicated it would be. Because of Brexit stockpiling and Covid, freight is down 50% from this time last year . Henry McKean visited Dublin Port and met frustrated Lorry Drivers, Tom Talbot, Head of Revenue Customs Operations at Dublin Port and Hazel Sheridan, Head of Import Controls Operation at the Department of Agriculture.
Toilet and shower facilities are being provided for lorry drivers experiencing lengthy delays at Dublin Port due to Brexit red tape.
New customs rules introduced as a result of the UK’s departure from the EU have created backlogs, as businesses and freight companies grapple with the added documentation.
Some drivers have experienced delays of up to 36 hours, according to Revenue officials, with additional supports now being provided.
Tom Talbot, head of Revenue’s customs operations at Dublin Port, said: “There are a number of drivers who potentially are in the port for a number of hours.
Tom Talbot, head of customs operations at Dublin Port (Julien Behal/PA)