Legislation is to be brought forward by the British Government this week, RTÉ News understands which could see work resume in Northern Ireland ports with the construction of border control posts.

The delay to works in the ports follows months of controversy relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Following implementaton of the leglisation, this will allow Officials in Whitehall to expedite completion of infrastructure for the purpose of agrifood checks carried out at ports. The transfer of port infrastructure to Whitehall comes despite the issue been a devolved matter in which the Northern Ireland civil service would otherwise handle.

RTÉ News also understands that Officials from the British Government have informed the European Commission that such legislation reflected the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland executive.

Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the so-called border control posts or points of entry, were supposed to be constructed at ports and also operated by officials from the Northern Ireland's (DAERA) Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

DAERA which is part of the Northern Ireland Executive, were to be held responsible for carrying out EU animal health checks in addition to those concerning food safety on agrifood products entering ports in Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Further coverage from RTE News here.