Case for border control post at Port of Cork being considered

THE Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is considering a proposal to establish a full border control post (BCP) in Cork after a business case was submitted by the Port of Cork.

A BCP is a designated entry point to the EU market through which consignments of food, food contact materials, animals, feed and plants that are subject to increased import controls must enter the EU.

Speaking in recent days in the Dáil, Fine Gael TD for Cork East David Stanton said the establishment of a permanent fixed BCP situated in Ringaskiddy, which the Port of Cork is seeking, would be “good for business, the country and the consumer” and would be “good for emissions and pollution”.

Currently BCPs in Ireland are located in Dublin and Rosslare.

Speaking in response, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett said that currently, Cork Port is a designated BCP for container shipments of wood and wood products only.

“Inspections of these products take place at the Tivoli container terminal near Cork city.

“I am advised that it is not possible at present to use this port as an entry point of regulated food products.

“I understand, however, that my department has been assessing the feasibility of a limited derogation for certain seasonal low-risk commodities where there is legislative scope to enter outside of a border control post.

“A temporary derogation to use Cork Port for the import of melons for the 2024 season has been approved by my department, with communication to stakeholders of the requirements and procedures issued recently,” she said.

In relation to longer term measures, Ms Hackett said the Port of Cork has submitted a business case for the building of a border control post that is capable of handling food product.

Consideration, she said, must be given to the costs of the establishment of the potential BCP as well as the longer term running costs.

“Further regard must be given to the potential impact on our existing border control posts.

“A full border control post would also require close collaboration and co-ordination between my department, Revenue and the HSE.

“The issue of whether an additional border control post might be required in the Port of Cork remains under consideration.

“Officials from my department continue to analyse the requirements for this facility.”