US rules could ‘cripple’ exports

IRISH exports could be crippled by new security measures being introduced at the behest of the US Government in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

This would happen unless urgent action is taken by the Government, the annual conference of the Irish Ports Association heard in Adare, Co Limerick, yesterday.

Brian Byrne, chief executive of the Shannon Foynes Port Company, said following pressure from the US, the International Maritime Organisation is inaugurating a new security regime which could include fencing off all ports doing business with the US, 24-hour monitoring of harbours and new security arrangements for ships, crews and port staff.