A new ferry service, operated by DFDS, will commence on 21 January from Rosslare to Dunkirk in northern France.

It will provide an alternative for exporters for direct access to EU markets, avoiding the UK landbridge, but is unsuitable for livestock because it is a 24-hour crossing and frequently experiences high waves.

The route will be served by three ferries, each able to take up to 125 lorries with their drivers and there will be six weekly afternoon or evening departures from each port.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, route director Aidan Coffey explained that while they couldn’t carry livestock, they "will be in a position to transport all livestock products direct from Ireland to other UK markets, avoiding any difficulties with the UK land bridge”.

The location of the port close to the Belgian border will make this an attractive option for deliveries into northern Europe, as well as France and Germany, all major export destinations for Irish meat and dairy.

Inspections

As well as not being suitable for livestock, the 24-hour crossing is slower than the current land bridge route through the UK, which can take less than 20 hours.

However, even if there is a Brexit deal, the reintroduction of customs and veterinary inspections are expected to cause delays on this route and the option of an alternative direct route to mainland Europe will be a welcome alternative for Irish exporters.