REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT: A RE-ASSESSMENT OF IRELAND’S MARITIME CONNECTIVITY IN THE CONTEXT OF BREXIT AND COVID-19 CHALLENGES
This Report responds to a request from The Department of Transport (DoT) to re-assess Ireland’s maritime connectivity in view of the combined challenges posed to the integrity of Ireland’s maritime trade links by Brexit and the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Report builds on and updates previous work carried out by the Irish Maritime Development (IMDO) in this area and updates the Landbridge Study, carried out by the IMDO in 2018. The Report takes account of important issues, including, but not limited to:
- Market conditions - trade and tourism volumes
- Capacity and utilization of maritime transport services
- Emerging trends
The Report considers the desirability of State intervention in the shipping industry, in light of the lessons learned in dealing with this question over the last two years, recent industry consultations, and emerging national and international influences. The Report concludes by updating previous advice and making a series of recommendations, laying emphasis on a contingency approach that recognizes the complexity and uncertainty of current circumstances and the value of scenario planning in preparing for the unexpected. The recommendations are cautious and prudent, cognizant of the very serious implications for the national economy and vulnerable sectors within it, of failing to protect maritime connectivity.
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