ISME shocked at DFDS withdrawal from Irish sea routes

ISME has said the sudden decision of DFDS Seaways to close two key ferry routes out of Dublin by the end of this month has sent shockwaves through the transport sector.

The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association said the decision to close both the Dublin-Birkenhead and the Dublin-Heysham routes will have a potential knock-on impact on business and jobs.

ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding, said: "The Association has had many calls from member companies, concerned at the cancellation of the services and the impact it will have on their businesses.

"Besides the significant inconvenience caused, the decision will reduce the level of competition on routes to the UK and the continent, leading to higher charges for transport companies. It will reduce the capacity and choice, increasing costs for sea freight at a time when the Country is heavily reliant on the export sector for future growth.

"This latest issue to affect the transport sector comes on top of increased regulations and increasing costs as a result of carbon taxes and duties on fuel, which continue to strangle the industry.

"If we are serious about having a vibrant transport sector, capable of transporting goods for export at a competitive rate, it is incumbent on the administration to immediately introduce a comprehensive transport policy. This policy should ensure that there is adequate capacity and no additional costs for transporting sea freight to our key markets in the UK and continental Europe."