Anglesey delegation in Dublin for talks on Brexit
ADELEGATION from the Isle of Anglesey County Council visited Dublin to discuss the uncertainties, impacts and opportunities created in the wake of Brexit.
They met with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha, Owen Keegan, Chief Executive Officer, Dublin City Council and city officials at the Mansion House, with the ports, and international gateways of Dublin and Holyhead at the top of the list during discussions.
There was also a welcome consensus that the new customs arrangements from April 2019 onwards must facilitate and enable trade and movement.
Consistent systems and processes in both countries will be critical to avoid congestion, confusion and delay.
The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union following a referendum in June 2016. The UK’s exit from Europe is fast approaching, with only nine months to go, followed by a 21 month transition period until December 31, 2020. Progress will hopefully be made at the EU Council later this month with greater clarity and detail on the likely nature of the future customs arrangements.
The Full Council backed a notice of motion presented by Cllr Robert Ll. Jones earlier this year, which emphasised Anglesey’s desire and support for a continued free border between the UK and Ireland. It was also decided to send a delegation over to Ireland for talks and demonstrate the desire to continue to work together. This was another step in the Council’s efforts to better understand the likely impacts and potential scenarios, following discussions and correspondence with UK Government Ministers, Welsh Government Ministers, engaging in the Welsh Local Government Association’s efforts, and the private sector.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha, said: “This was an important engagement between the City of Dublin and the Isle of Anglesey. We share great concern at the implications of Brexit for both Wales and Ireland generally and for Holyhead and Dublin in particular. We are committed to building on the many existing ties between us in order to successfully meet the challenge and opportunities ahead.”
Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Ieuan Williams, who made the journey to Dublin, said: “We were grateful to the Lord Mayor of Dublin for the opportunity to discuss the changes ahead. The future of the customs union is uncertain, but we must all prepare to deliver the agreed changes with a view to minimising the barriers to trade and movement between Dublin and Holyhead. Time is limited, and we need systems to be agreed and in place as soon as possible. Increased barriers and red tape will not benefit anyone.”
Economic Development portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones, added: “The engagement and joint working must continue. The historic, cultural, and economic ties between us must be built upon to create a prosperous future. We are committed to ensuring trade, travel, and tourism continues to grow and flourish in the future. Dublin, one of the most diverse and friendly capital cities in the world is only 51 miles away. The changes ahead must be embraced together”.
There was consensus that maintaining engagement and collaboration would hopefully lead to enhanced mutual trade, tourism and cultural benefits.