WITH the Brexit deadline looming, and ‘no deal’ still very much a possibility, communities and businesses across Fermanagh are continuing to prepare as best they can for an uncertain future.
With the politics continuing in London and Brussels, in Fermanagh businesses and communities remain anxious and uncertain. For example, anything at all that hinders or slows free movement across the border could have an immediate impact on one of Fermanagh’s biggest employers, Quinn Industrial Holdings.
Speaking during a visit by Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald to the company’s Ballyconnell plant last week, chief operating officer Kevin Lunny said the company had been making preparations in areas where it could and was managing “factors within its control.” However, he added the company currently accounted for 470 crossborder truck movements daily, not including the border-hopping commutes made each day by over 235 members of staff.
“Any post-Brexit changes to the current free movement of people and goods across the border would be most unwelcome and would add significantly to the cost of doing business or living in the border area,” said Mr Lunny.
“This is a time for our public representatives to do all in their power to ensure a frictionless border and we welcome Sinn Fein’s interest in that regard.”
Meanwhile, close to 6,000 local people have signed the ever-growing petition calling on the Government to “Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU.”
At the time of going to press around 6 million had signed the petition from across the UK. In the Fermanagh South Tyrone constituency, just under 6,000 had signed it.
This only accounts for only around six percent of the population, and it has been suggested the poor broadband coverage here in the county may be accounting for the small numbers who have signed.
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