A new ferry route direct from Ireland to France has been announced which would stop trucks having to go through Britain.
The journey from Rosslare to Dunkirk would take 24 hours.
While it wouldn't be faster than going through the UK, there are fears of long delays in England for customs checks after the Brexit transition period ends next month.
Operator EuRoRo will begin the six-day per week service on January 2nd, 2021.
It will increase the number of direct Rosslare Europort to Europe ro-ro sailings each way on a weekly basis across all routes in peak season to up to 13.
It comes as a report by the Government has shown there is enough capacity on ferry routes to accommodate the 150,000 trucks a year which use the UK as a landbridge between mainland Europe and Ireland.
Today's announcement was made by the logistics company DFDS.
Rosslare Europort General Manager Glenn Carr said: "This is a hugely exciting development, not only for us in Rosslare Europort, but for Ireland as a whole, Irish industry, and the haulage sector.
"We have engaged with Irish hauliers and their representatives, to understand their needs – particularly in the context of Brexit – and worked with shipping operators and ports in Europe to identify strong offerings for the sector.
"The frequency we will now offer from Rosslare Europort will ensure a wide range of options to bypass the landbridge through Britain, with DFDS offering a 24-hour voyage time to such a prime location, less than three hours from Paris, and barely 20 minutes from the Belgian border."
❗️We are delighted to welcome @DFDSGroup to Rosslare Europort, commencing six direct services weekly each way between Rosslare and @DunkerquePort from 2nd January 2021
🛳 Irish business will now have up to 13 direct services from Rosslare to European continent each week in 2021 pic.twitter.com/oY10rJvsSk— Rosslare Europort (@Rosslareuroport) November 27, 2020
Welcoming details of the new service, the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “This new service, operated by EURoRo Seaways and DFDS from Rosslare to Dunkirk, is a welcome addition of capacity as the Brexit transition phase comes to an end.
"Together with the increased sailing frequencies to Cherbourg announced by both Irish Ferries and Stena Line and the new direct routes launched by CLDN, the shipping sector has once again shown its resilience and its willingness to respond to changes in the market."
