Displaying items by tag: Between EU & UK

5th June 2020

“Working Towards Strong Likelihood of No-Trade Deal (EU-UK) Must be Brought Back to the Fore” - Irish Exporters Association

NO TRADE DEAL: A busy 'file' photo scene in Dublin Port AFLOAT adds shows Helen, a small short-sea coaster depart with the backdrop of berthed containerships at the DFT terminal (part of the ICG Group) which yesterday received new cranes invested at the facility. This is one of the port's three container terminals that play a vital role in imports and exports to and from the UK, the EU and beyond.

At a press briefing today, the EU’s Chief Negotiator pointed out that the UK is not living up to several crucial issues jointly agreed in the Political Declaration from October 2019, including the level playing field.

The end of the transition period (31 December) is less than 7 months away and the ongoing difficulties experienced in negotiations between the EU and the UK continue. As such the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) is calling on businesses to prepare for the strong likelihood that there will be no comprehensive free trade agreement between the EU-27 and the UK from 1 January 2021.

The IEA has continually expressed its deepest concerns about the very real possibility that the UK will depart from the EU on 31 December without a trade arrangement. The impact of the worst-case scenario on businesses is further compounded by efforts to address the COVID-19 fallout. The Irish Exporters Association is expecting that no trade agreement will in fact be agreed and that this will severely impact Irish exporter’s ability to recover from the economic fallout owing to COVID-19.

Chief Executive of the IEA Simon McKeever commented: “We believe that there will be no agreement reached on a free trade agreement between the EU and the UK and therefore businesses need to make preparations for a worst-case scenario. Considering the magnitude of a recession that the country is facing, businesses need to make haste and prepare for the next shock to the economy, which is the UK’s full withdrawal from the EU. This is now potentially just months away.

Businesses are already tackling the challenges of COVID-19, however, I would urge them to go back to their Brexit preparedness planning and ensure that they are still on track to deal with the potential fallout.”

Published in Ports & Shipping

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.