NO HARD BORDER!
Hundreds protest at the border
THERE WERE dramatic scenes at Carrickarnon last week as hundreds of people turned out to protest against the return of a hard border after Brexit.
In what was another dramatic week of preparations for Britain’s departure from the EU, local lobby group Border Communities Against Brexit staged a high-profile demonstration along the old DundalkNewry Road.
It featured mock ‘customs’ checkpoints, in a scene reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s. ‘ Troops’ also manned the mock border wall to illustrate their concern that Ireland could be heading back to the days when there were border checkpoints.
The event was held as Tánaiste Simon Coveney admitted a ‘no deal’ Brexit could lead to new border infrastructure going up along the border.
Revenue also hosted a conference in Dundalk last week to help businesses to prepare for Brexit.
The prospect of a hard border is a ‘nightmare situation’ that businesses in Louth, and along the border region must face the difficult prospect of preparing for, delegates at a Revenue hosted ‘Brexit’ conference in Dundalk admitted last week.
One of the largest ever Brexit awareness events in the area, the seminar at the Carnbeg Hotel focused on preparations individual businesses could make ahead of dealing with a UK which is outside of the European Union.
For many, dealing on a cross border businesses with companies or suppliers in Northern Ireland will be the biggest challenge as they look at what customs tarrifs may apply.
For others, it is the prospect of losing the current uncomplicated access to the UK as a ‘ landbridge’ to Europe that will pose the greatest threat.
‘I think it’s the uncertainty right now that is the problem for businesses,’ Mary Doyle from FSL Food Solutions told the Argus.
Based on the Coes Road, they are a leading provider of premium beverage brands to the restaurant, bar and catering indus- tries. For more than 15 years the Dundalk company has built up a reputation sourcing and supplying the world’s best coffee, syrups, teas, chocolate, and equipment to Irish businesses of all sizes.
But, like many companies, they have had access to a relatively open border for trade, one which has over the last 20 years in particular benefitted the business community immensely.
‘We would have a lot of customers in the north’ added Mary. ‘So there is concern at this stage about how Brexit will impact our business.’
Sean O’Hanlon, from Omeath whose company North Louth Services are in the delivery and installation of equipment to the food industry, admitted there are a range of concerns about the impact of Brexit.
‘I am worried. We are in a situation where we do business in both Louth and in Newry, and right now we don’t know how to prepare for what is coming.’
Indeed, his own family farm is, he adds, dissected by the border, another major complication where he argues there is ‘no clarity.’
‘In reality an open border had meant so much, not only to us, but to businesses all along the border over the last twenty years,’ said Sean. ‘Now we are facing what could be a nightmare situation that is very difficult to prepare for.’
Barry Cullen, who owns and runs local firm Cullen Autoparts, admitted that importing parts and goods from Europe was going to be a huge challenge if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal on March 29th.
‘It will getting deliveries through Britain and over to use that will be the big problem, especially if there are delays at Dover for lorries.’
His business, and the expectations of customers, rely on the ‘same day or next day’ delivery that has helped him provide an efficient service for so many years.
‘ This seminar has been very beneficial though. It has given us an indication of what questions we should be asking, for a start.’
A major focus of the conference was advising companies on the impact to logistics, after Brexit.
The smooth movement of goods, and flowing supply chain are key to the everyday operations of so many companies along the border area.
Kenneth McEneaney, from Cardinal Logistics, based at Market Square, said it was a ‘very challenging time’ for businesses which transport to and from Europe, through the UK, and to the UK and Northern Ireland.
‘We are involved in freight forwarding, and organis the import of a wide range of goods from car parts to pharmaceuticals,’ He explained.
‘Right now we are focused on putting together contingency plans for clients, looking at how best we can prepare for what’s coming down the line. Again, that uncertainty over what is actually going to happen after the 29th of March makes it even more challenging.’
In terms of the preparations being made by Revenue and Customs, a spokeswoman explained told the Argus that the seminar in Dundalk was one of a number they had hosted and organised over the last few months.
‘Revenue is committed to actively engaging with businessess to help in identifying and understanding the potential customs implications of Brexit and how the challenges can be addressed.’
‘Revenue have participated in a number of trade organised events as well as events organised by other government departments in relation to Brexit. In addition, Revenue has a comprehensive Trader Engagement Programme to assist trade in preparing for the impact of Brexit. The seminar at Carnbeg is part of this programme of engagement.’
She added: ‘In the context of Brexit, Revenue’s focus is to minimise costs, facilitate trade and by supporting business with clear and timely information, advice and guidance on preparing to trade with a non-EU country.’
‘As such, Revenue’s Trader Engagement Programme is focused on the needs of a specific target audience, such as logistic