No assurances on future of border as Article 50 is triggered and talks begin

SINN Féin MEP Matt Carthy says the European Commission is not dealing adequately with the consequences for Ireland of the British decision to exit the European Union.

He said the Commission has been unable to provide any assurance that major roads crossing the Irish border will remain free of custom posts and border checks after Brexit.

Mr Carthy, whose constituency covers the entire border area from Donegal to Louth, recently submitted a question asking the EU Commission to outline its proposals for ensuring the roads remain free from custom posts and border checks.

He said: ‘On the island of Ireland there are at least 12 primary roads which cross the border from the South into the North. These include the N1/A1. Given that the Irish government will not be a negotiating partner in the Brexit negotiations, I asked the Commission to outline specifically what proposals it has to ensure that these roads remain free from custom posts and border checks after the UK leaves the European Union.

‘ The Commission has been unable to provide me with an answer.

‘On the eve of the Article 50 notification by Britain, this is simply not good enough and will cause further deep unease in Ireland, particularly in border counties.

‘It also raises major concerns regarding the assurances so far provided by the Irish and British Governments.

‘As someone who lives in the border region, I know that it would be unworkable to have a new EU frontier dividing communities stretching from Dundalk to Derry.

‘ There is growing concern among businesses, workers, students and farmers in the border region about customs tariffs and the restriction of the movement of goods, services and people.

‘It is incumbent on the EU Commission to state clearly their position and to do everything in its power to ensure freedom of movement of people and goods in Ireland’.