What is the point of having Customs Officers in Dublin Sea Port?

Question

I recently went to Wales on the Dublin-Holyhead Irish Ferries route.

On the way there, there were no British customs officers. On the way back, there were a few Irish ones. Because of the Common Travel Area, they weren't checking passports, just asking everyone their nationality. What was the point? If someone was coming into the country illegally, I'm sure they wouldn't be too hesitant to lie about where their journey started.

If they aren't going to check ID on the Dublin-Holyhead route, why don't they just come in when ferries are going to be landing from other countries?

Answer 1

Firstly, just because you did not see them, don't assume that there were no Customs in Holyhead. Just as in Dublin, the attendance of Customs at any one ferry arrival is intelligence driven. Customs are usually aware of the imminent arrival of target people or vehicles. At Holyhead and Dublin, immigration checks are carried out by immigration officers, not Customs. As far as ferries coming from "other countries" are concerned, the only ferries that arrive at Dublin or Dun Laoire are from the U.K.