Fianna Fáil Express Worry At Govt's Lack Of Brexit Preparation

With just 71 days until Brexit becomes a reality, a Fianna Fáil candidate for Wexford has hit out at the Government's lack of organisation, especially at the Rosslare Europort customs facility.

Lisa McDonald expressed concern about "the poor level of domestic preparedness here in Ireland".

She said: "While we don't know how the political negotiations in Westminster will go, we do know that Ireland's preparedness is behind schedule.

"At Rosslare Europort, we know that the promised customs facility will not be up and running by the time March 29th comes around. It is expected that it will take at least two years, with some saying three years, for the facility to be constructed.

"70% of the goods being transported through Rosslare are either agricultural or food produce, and that will have to be checked.

"I am aware that 20 customs officers have been recruited with a view to operating out of Rosslare, but in the event of a hard, disorderly Brexit, this number will have to rise significantly."

The Councillor questioned where the 20 newly recruited officers will be working if the facility is not up and running, and called for an upgrade to the existing road and motorway leading to the Europort.

"Fianna Fáil has been supportive of the Government in terms of its negotiating position, as part of the EU, with the united Kingdom.

"We have, however, consistently, critiqued the Government on its level of domestic readiness, and the fact that Rosslare Europort will not be in operation for a number of years to come, underscores how ill-prepared we, as a country, are to deal with Brexit and its consequences," concluded McDonald.



(JG/CM)