Displaying items by tag: NI Ports

10th February 2021

Brexit Agricultural Staff Checks Resume at Northern Ireland Ports

Decision to resume physical inspections of animal-based products in Belfast and Larne follows a threat assessment provided by the PSNI

Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture staff which were withdrawn from Brexit checks at two ports because of claims of threats last week return to work today.

According to RTE News, the decision to resume physical inspections of animal-based products in Belfast and Larne follows a threat assessment provided by police.

The checks were suspended on 1 February after threatening graffiti appeared in a number of loyalist areas warning that port staff could be "targets".

It was claimed that staff were being threatened by unspecified opponents of the Northern Ireland Protocol (see: related Article 16) which has resulted in inspections on some products arriving from Great Britain.

Many unionists and loyalists view this Irish Sea border as a threat to Northern Ireland’s constitutional position within the UK.

More here on this story.

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European Union Seeks Staff at Ports to Ensure Implementation of Northern Ireland Protocol

The issue was raised during a meeting this morning of the EU-UK Joint Committee. Above Afloat adds it the Port of Larne, the busy Co. Antrim ferryport where the service to Cairnryan, Scotland is the shortest sea-route between N.I and Britain.

The EU is seeking to have 15 customs and veterinary staff working alongside UK officials at ports and Belfast Airport to ensure the proper implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, RTÉ News understands.

In return, the EU would drop an earlier request to have a physical office in Belfast.

The issue was raised during a meeting this morning of the EU-UK Joint Committee, which officials have described as positive and constructive.

One official cautiously described the encounter in London as a potential "turning point" in the process of both sides having to agree how to implement the Protocol, which provides for customs and regulatory formalities on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain, will work.

The meeting was led by the European Commission executive vice-president Maros Sefcovic and Michael Gove, a minister in the Cabinet Office.

UK Government to Pay for Northern Ireland Brexit Port Controls after Minister Proposed Halting Work

The movement of goods into Northern Ireland from Britain is a key sticking point. Above the VT2 terminal at the Port of Belfast.

In the UK the Government, according to Belfast Telegraph, is set to pay for work on post-Brexit port checks in Northern Ireland, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has said.

The DUP MLA told the BBC that the UK Government would now pay for the work after he reportedly proposed pausing it due to the current political uncertainty around Brexit.

In the summer, the Government said enhanced regulatory checks would be required on animals and food products crossing the Irish Sea from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under the terms of the Brexit deal.

The Executive assumed a legal responsibility to undertake the work for the Government to enable it to fulfil its international obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement.

However, Mr Poots expressed a reluctance to commit an estimated £40m to the project without further clarity. Click for more here.

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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.