Brexit is being blamed for a sharp fall in cargo through Dublin Port, it was revealed yesterday.
COVID-19 has also hit passenger numbers at Ireland’s largest port.
The Dublin Port Company confirmed trade fell by 15.2% in the first quarter driven by a dip in freight from Britain, which dropped by 29% to160,000 units.
On the other hand, EU trade rose by 18% to 158,000 units.
The company said imports fell by 14.4% to 4.7 million gross tonnes and exports declined by 16.6% to 3.1 million gross tonnes.
The latest figures are in contrast to the 7.8% increase recorded in the last three months of last year.
Dublin Port’s chief Eamonn O’Reilly said it is too early to gauge the long-term effects of Brexit and if the present decline will last for the rest of the year.
He added: “With two ferry lines [Irish Ferries and P&O] now operating services from Dublin Port to the UK and across the English Channel from Dover to Calais.
We are optimistic the landbridge will re-establish itself as a fast and cost-effective option for the movement of time-sensitive goods to and from Continental Europe.”
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