The Daily Star Ireland
The Government has decided to temporarily ease the regulations for hauliers transporting Christmas deliveries, permitting them to drive for extended hours with shorter breaks. This change was enacted by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State for Transport James Lawless. The new rules allow drivers to extend their daily driving time to 11 hours, but only twice a week, in addition to the usual 10-hour limit. The weekly driving cap has been raised to 60 hours from 56, and the fortnightly limit to 102 hours from 90.
This measure aims to ensure timely delivery of parcels, which have been delayed due to damage at Holyhead ferry port caused by Storm Darragh. The port’s damaged berth, which is not expected to reopen until at least December 20, is crucial for the Dublin to Holyhead route, a key link between Ireland and the UK.
David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, remains confident in the postal service’s ability to deliver parcels despite the disruption. He reported that the backlog is now down to 16,000 parcels, all currently en route, and assured that orders placed before the storm would be delivered. An Post plans to deliver 350,000 parcels the following day without needing hauliers to drive longer hours over the Christmas period.
However, McRedmond cautioned against expecting any traffic from Holyhead before Christmas due to the extensive damage. In response to the situation, additional ferry capacity has been arranged, including larger vessels and extra sailings, although some impact on freight capacity persists.
Minister Lawless expressed doubts about the port reopening as scheduled, highlighting the significant volume of vehicles and passengers typically handled during the Christmas period. He emphasized the need for adequate public transport alternatives for foot passengers.
Discussions with ferry operators to increase passenger capacity between the UK and Ireland are planned, with Stena Line committing to deploy an additional ship from its Swedish fleet to service the Dublin to Liverpool route.
