On May 7th, a group of over 70 delegates from member companies of Irish International Freight Association participated in a tour of the Border Control Post at Dublin Port. The itinerary for the day included stops at Terminal 11, Yards 3 and 4, Terminal 9 and Terminal 10.
This was followed by a series of presentations from representatives of Revenue Customs, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM), and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The tour set out for Terminal 11 on two buses, met by officers from Revenue and members of DAFM’s team who would be assisting with the remainder of the tour. As well as an overview of port activities at the IUPT, the start to the tour included a commentary on incoming traffic from a ship arriving from the UK.
A bonus for the tour included demonstrations of the portable x-ray machine at the port for incoming trucks, and meeting two of Revenue’s detector dogs. This unique opportunity was greatly enjoyed by the tour delegates, and served to illustrate the valuable importance of the various tools at work in Dublin Port.
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The tour split in two after this point, with each bus headed to yard 3 and 4 for a quick overview of operations, and visits to Terminals 9 and 10.
The tour delegates were given an overview of activities at Terminal 9 by Barry McWilliams and Sean Hyland of DAFM’s Plant Health team.
This part of the BCP tour provided insights into inspections of goods into the country that were plant-based. The tour delegates were given an opportunity to develop their understanding of inspections, including the wide range of tests conducted on goods to protect plant health of domestic products and native species.
At Terminal 10, the delegates were met by Pauric Brennan of DAFM, who provided insights into goods containing or made from animal products.
This part of the tour also allowed delegates to see the storage facilities at use in the Border Control Post at Dublin Port, and to gain a greater understanding of the processes involved at Terminal 10.
The afternoon portion of the BCP tour involved a series of talks from experts from Revenue Commission, DAFM and the HSE.
Back Row L-R: Jeremiah Griffin, HSE; Robert Walsh, Revenue Customs; Sean Hyland, DAFM; Patrick Brennan, DAFM; Pauric Brennan, DAFM
Front Row, L-R: Jennifer Wall, Revenue Customs; Emma Conway, Revenue Customs; Megan Duffy, HSE; Suzanne Kiuchi, DAFM
Robert Walsh led the Revenue Commission’s presentation on Trade Facilitation. He outlined the role of the Trade Facilitation team, and identified key notes in relation to imports, customs formalities, Ro-Ro movements, and a note on requirements on drivers coming into the port.
Pauric Brennan’s presentation focused on the integration of DAFM with Customs, common issues which arise during imports, and action requests and seal checks as they pertain to the work of importers.
Jennifer Wall and Megan Duffy presented on the topic of risk in the supply chain, including identifying key risk indicators, challenges facing Revenue, and outlining the work of the National Profiling Centre (NPC). The pair ended their presentation with three case studies to more clearly illustrate the work of the Revenue Commission at Dublin Port.
Jeremiah Griffin and Megan Duffy gave a short presentation on the work of the Environmental Health Service, at Dublin Port, Dublin Airport and Rosslare Port. They described the specific work they do on location at Dublin Port, as well as how they collaborate with Revenue, DAFM and Health Products Regulatory Authority. The team also provided specific insights into imports of foodstuffs, cosmetics and tobacco.
Sean Hyland concluded the day with a presentation on pests on plants and plant products coming into Dublin Port. This included a brief overview of the classification of pests, and the quarantining of imports.
This was IIFA’s fourth such BCP Port Tour for Members. Each year, the tour provides an opportunity to witness the inner workings of control operations and the layout of Dublin Port, as well as specific, relevant, and up-to-date measures in place that impact their work on a daily basis. Authorities and Members like both found it useful to have this annual opportunity to interact in person. IIFA would like to our express our sincere thanks for DAFM and Customs House Dublin Port for their efforts with facilitating the arrangements and demonstrations for this event.
IIFA will aim to offer a fifth tour for more members who send their colleagues for this tour in 2026.
