Brexit in focus at meetings
BREXIT was top of the agenda at two meetings in Wexford last week, both called by members of Fianna Fail. Enniscorthy Deputy James Browne hosted a Brexit Forum in Wexford town on Friday, March 24, the meeting called following the news that Cllr Malcolm Byrne was hosting a conference on the same issue in the town on Thursday, March 30.
Deputy Browne’s forum took place at the Talbot Hotel while Cllr Byrne’s was held at Clayton Whites Hotel.
The deputy’s forum focussed in particular on the implications of Brexit on Agriculture and Tourism in Wexford and the South East region, and also the repercussions to the wider economy and political landscape.
Malcolm Byrne said it was unfortunate that the two events were so close.
‘I had been planning Thursday’s event for a number of months. In some ways, they complimented each other. The one I have organised was deliberately open and inclusive and focused on the impact on Wexford and the South East - that is why there is the broad range of speakers with an understanding of Wexford.
‘ The purpose of James’ event was to influence party policy and he had a number of Fianna Fail spokespeople involved. If the two events result in County Wexford being better prepared for the Brexit challenge, all the better, he said.
Deputy Browne said there is deep concern about the impact of Brexit on the economy of Wexford and the South East region.
‘We need to be ready, we need our voices heard. This is the most serious matter for this country in a generation.’
Guest speakers at Deputy Browne’s forum included Rowena Dwyer, Chief Economist with the IFA, Phelim O’Neill, Markets Specialist with the Farmers Journal, Joe Dolan, President of the Irish Hotel Federation and Niamh Lyons, Political Editor of the Irish Edition of The Times.
It will was also attended by Fianna Fáil frontbench spokespersons, Charlie McConalogue (Agriculture), Dara Calleary (Public Expenditure & Reform) and Stephen Donnelly (Brexit).
‘It is vitally important that there is discussion and a plan and strategy put in place for our county, region and country to absorb the immediate hit once the UK begin the negotiations to leave the EU’, said Deputy Browne. Cllr Byrne’s conference, Opportunities and Challenges of Brexit for County Wexford, had a primary focus on identifying issues that are of w specific concern to the county.
He said he wanted the non-political event to be as inclusive as possible adding he believed that Wexford could benefit in certain areas from Brexit while also dealing with significant challenges.
‘Brexit will be one of the biggest political, economic and social challenges facing Wexford, Ireland and Europe over the next decade. In everything from movement of people and goods at our ports and airports; through the impact on agriculture and industry; to student exchange and research partnerships, Brexit will provide challenges. But there are also opportunities. Wexford companies will now be at an advantage competing in the EU compared to UK companies. We may also be able to attract more continental tourists.’ Speakers at Cllr Byrne’s conference included former MEP Avril Doyle, Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, Karl Fitzpatrick, President, Wexford Chamber, John Lynch, General Manager, Rosslare Europort, Verona Murphy, President, Irish Road Haulage Association, barrister and columnist Noel Whelan and James Kehoe, Wexford IFA Chair.