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Cllr Mickey Larkin has said that Newry Mourne & Down District Council need to proactively support local businesses as they prepare for life after the Brexit Transition Period.
The Slieve Gullion Cllr was speaking following this week's Council Brexit Forum meeting at which an update from Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and Council's Environmental Health Department was delivered. Councillor Larkin said “At this meeting I voiced serious concerns regarding the apparent lack of support, training, and guidance available to local businesses. Our local economy and businesses are already under immense pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Added to this, the growing uncertainty over Brexit is making matters worse”.
The Sinn Féin elected representative continued “There are serious concerns relating to a dearth of information and engagement from both the British Government and the Department for the Economy. Local firms have no idea what a post- transition trading environment will look like nor what it will mean for businesses here.
"The recent uncertainty surrounding customs and checking facilities at our ports has compounded concerns for companies. Disruption to supply chains and access to markets will ultimately affect their business model which may be unrecognisable six months from now”.
Concluding Councillor Larkin said “Newry Mourne & Down District Council need to proactively support local businesses as they prepare for life after the Brexit Transition Period. Council officers are preparing for a number of different scenarios and it is essential that they engage with all key stakeholders and businesses. I would support and encourage all avenues of help that can be offered to our local businesses to mitigate against the disaster of Brexit."
