Seafood company Cork was aware of French Covid rules before the government

A Cork-based seafood company was aware of impending regulations that would seek negative Covid evidence from Irish truckers traveling to France a week before the government did.

Adrian Walsh, owner of Ballycotton Seafood, told the Irish Examiner He was informed last week through unofficial channels that France would soon require a negative Covid-19 test for carriers.

Meanwhile, a Wexford TD has criticized the government’s lack of preparation for the move, which it warned in early January that it was imminent.

Verona Murphy wrote to the Taoiseach on January 2 to ask what plans were in place for France to impose a Covid-19 testing requirement on Irish carriers.

In an email seen by Irish ExaminerMs. Murphy told Micheál Martin that she wanted to express her concern “about the real potential for supply chain disruption if we do not immediately introduce antigen testing to our ports.”

“The Taoiseach responded on January 8 to say that that was not necessary and that it would not be happening. And here we are on January 27, and it is poorly organized if it is organized,” said Ms Murphy, former director of the Irish Road Transport Association.

A government spokesman said the Taoiseach had written to Ms Murphy outlining current protocols for passenger travel, which required a negative PCR test for travelers from Great Britain.

“After that, the French authorities on Monday issued a requirement for Irish carriers to present a negative antigen test prior to arrival. In response, the state this week established free testing facilities for affected workers to provide antigen testing prior to departure for France to minimize disruptions, ”added the spokesman.

A government spokesman said the government had been notified on Monday that French authorities would require the negative tests, while the Department of Transport said it was notified of the plans over the weekend.

However, it wasn’t until Wednesday that the Transportation Department issued a statement informing carriers of the new requirements, which would take effect from Thursday.

The short lifespan of cargo means that many products face failure before they can reach customers in continental Europe due to delays at ports caused by new testing requirements.

Adrian Walsh from Ballycotton Seafood explained that between 45% and 50% of their exports go to France and Spain, which makes them highly dependent on ferry routes.

“If someone tests positive, I really don’t know what situation we’ll find ourselves in. Obviously, they will have to go into quarantine, but what about the product that’s in the truck?” Walsh asked.

Fish has a very short shelf life. About six days. So I don’t know what will happen. If one of the drivers misses the boat, he will have to get the next boat, if it is not booked. ”

He explained that they were already facing problems with delays at ports for ferries to France.

“What we have seen in the last two weeks is that the drivers are arriving at the ports and they cannot get on the boats because the boats are oversold or delayed,” he said.

Walsh said that as this latest update becomes a reality, his business and businesses like hers are left with unanswered questions.

“We are not receiving responses at this time. We do not know who will be responsible. Nobody raises their hand and says that we will or will not cover the losses. So we really don’t know. ”