Freight companies fear they would face higher costs and decreased mobility, if Britain votes to leave the EU.

The referendum on whether the UK will stay in, or leave, the European Union will take place in June.

The UK is Ireland’s most important market, with the value of Irish exports to Britain at their highest level ever.

Many Irish freight companies also transit Britain to travel on to Europe.

Neil McDonnell, general manager of the Freight Transport Association has said if the UK does leave the EU, Europe would negotiate with Britain and Ireland would have to accept whatever conditions were agreed: “We will not be at the table deciding the terms and conditions of a post-Brexit relationship, in Britain and the EU.

“Therefore we will be forced to accept what conditions end up being set by the other 26 member states for Britain’s relationship with the EU after a Brexit.”