BREXIT CONCERNS ARE RAISED WITH GERMAN POLITICIANS
A delegation from Germany’s ‘Bundestag’ took part in a special meting at Louth County Council on Friday last which examined the impact Brexit will have on cross border relations.
Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, introduced the parliamentary delegation from Germany to County Hall, Dundalk, for a meeting with members of Louth County Council and Newry Mourne and Down District Council to discuss the impact of Brexit on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two Councils.
The MOU aims to further cross-border cooperation on issues like tourism and recreation programmes, sustainable economic growth and job creation; emergency planning and shared resources.
The German delegation was led by Professor Dr. Norbert Lammert, Speaker of the Bundestag, and also included two Members of the Bundestag: Michael Grosse-Broemer and Britta Habelmann.
The meeting was organised by the East Border Region agency, who are leading on the Brexit Border Corridor Study on behalf of the Border Local Authorities, north and south.
Speaking as he introduced the German visitors, Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, said: ‘It was a great pleasure to welcome this delegation to Ireland and to Leinster House this week. Of particular significance is this trip to Dundalk to meet with Louth County Council and Newry Mourne and Down District Council to discuss Brexit and its impact on border communities.’
He emphasised how trade between north and south and Britain and Ireland must be protected, adding that the meeting with Council representatives was an informative one for the German politicians.
‘Louth County Council and Newry Mourne and Down District Council are a great example of the type of cooperation that must be encouraged and nurtured as we and our European colleagues deal with the changes Brexit will bring.’
Meanwhile, Louth TD, Gerry Adams who also attended the meeting said:
‘ The Dáil has now voted in favour of the case for the North to be designated Special Status within the EU - which should now become official Government policy.’
He said the island of Ireland and especially the border corridor, will be ‘disproportionately impacted both economically in terms of competitiveness and politically in terms of the GFA constitutional and institutional arrangements and the impact of a land border.’
The Louth TD added: ‘ The EU has been a critical partner for peace providing political and financial aid and it is crucial that we maintain this relationship.
Brexit now demands that the Irish Government reshapes future foreign policy both with Britain and the EU itself. The withdrawal of Britain presents an opportunity to now Reform the EU, including the strengthening of the role of smaller member states within it.’