Statement from Warrenpoint Port CEO Clare Guinness, following visit of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar – 30th April 2018

Following a visit to Warrenpoint Port from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Clare Guinness, CEO, Warrenpoint Port, said

“Today’s visit by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar provided a welcome opportunity to meet with the leader of our closest trading partner who is one of the leading figures in the Brexit negotiations.

“Situated almost directly on the border between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Warrenpoint Port last year handled 3.56 million tonnes of cargo worth £6.2 billion, around 40 per cent of which either originated from or was destined for the Republic of Ireland.

“The vast majority of seaward trade, however – more than 80 per cent – is to and from Great Britain.

“We used today’s meeting to press on Mr Varadkar, our desire for a border that supports frictionless trade, ensuring that it can continue to flow and grow. While this is our preferred position, we are actively formulating plans to deal with whatever scenario results from the Brexit negotiations.

“We also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure in the border region which would help trade north and south, in particular, the delivery of the Southern Relief Road which has already benefitted from European funding through the feasibility phase.”