Write a commentThe Canal Court Hotel was a busy venue on Thursday with Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D as guest speaker at the Newry Junior Chamber lunch event ‘Bordering on Brexit’.
Newry Junior Chamber organised the event for members and the surrounding businesses in light of the current talks on Brexit and to inform the Taoiseach of issues surrounding the members and the impact it will have to businesses on the border.
At the meeting, the Taoiseach said "I am delighted to be in Newry today to have the opportunity to speak with you and hear your views on Brexit. I understand the very particular issues that the UK referendum result raises for all border communities on this island. In Newry, there are real concerns about any future arrangements that might harden the border so I want to assure you today that I and my Government are doing our utmost to ensure that we maintain the free movement of goods, services and people across this island. In 2014 total cross border trade in manufacturing came to over 3 billion euro or just under 2.5 billion pounds. That is a 7.1 per cent increase on the total cross-border goods trade in 2013 and I want to see this trend continuing. I would like to commend the great work the Newry Junior Chamber are carrying out as they contribute to enhancing their local business community".
Commenting on the number of shoppers coming north at present the Taioseach added "More recently we have seen a growth in the number of shoppers crossing the border to take advantage of cheaper sterling. Of course this is a phenomenon that we have seen before and are likely to see more of in the run-up to Christmas. I am conscious that while this is good news for retailers here in Newry, on the other side of the border the sterling effect is a real challenge. This is something that was brought home to me during my visit to Dundalk earlier today.
"But overall, the freeflow across the Border has been good for this island. We remember what a hard border was like. We remember the cost – both in practical and psychological terms. And we are in agreement with the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive that we will work hard to avoid barriers to cross-border traffic and economic activity. Our economies are intricately linked - there is nothing to be gained from one-upmanship on either side of the border. What is good for the Northern Ireland economy is good for the Southern economy and vice versa."
The event was well attended by businesses across the Newry and surrounding areas. Guests were entertained by the Gaudeamus Choir who sang ‘Co. Down’ as the Taoiseach entered the event. Speaking on the day, Nicole Curran, President of Newry Junior Chamber said “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Taoiseach for taking time out of his no doubt jam packed schedule to attend our event. I am grateful that he has recognised the importance of speaking to the Newry business community who work continually to ensure that the correct decisions are being made for the Island as a whole following the UK Referendum Result and consequential times of uncertainty. The Newry Junior Chamber recognises the need to encourage and promote personal and business development and provide a platform for proactive local businesses and entrepreneurs to share knowledge and engage with likeminded individuals who are always seeking ways to develop the area and local business community. We as a Chamber have an All Island outlook economically and we want to ensure that throughout the Brexit process it remains positive and grows”.
On the day, guests also heard from Gillian Fitzpatrick, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who thanked the Taoiseach for attending and presented a gift as a token of appreciation. Gillian also commended the work of the Newry Junior Chamber and the work they are doing for local businesses in the area.
The Taoiseach also had a meeting after the event with members of Newry Chamber of Commerce.
If you would like to become a member of Newry Junior Chamber or would like more information about upcoming events, please visit www.newryjuniorchamber.com
