Farm machinery importers facing significant delays

As a result of Brexit and in accordance with EU Plant Health legislation, any used or second-hand machinery being imported into Ireland is required to be clean, free of soil, plant debris or organic matter.

Cork TD Colm Burke, who raised the issue, asked what action was being taken by the Department in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners in assisting such importers.

Importers of second-hand farm machinery from the UK are experiencing significant delays and disruption, it was claimed in the Dail.

However, the Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue said that, in general, there are no significant delays at the ports in relation to official controls on such imports.