No new infrastructure at Larne port as a result of Brexit, council told

The council’s chief executive Anne Donaghy told councillors she has been informed by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis there will be no new infrastructure built in Larne and no customs checks.

Mrs Donaghy said: “Larne port is a key piece of infrastructure not only for Mid and East Antrim but the whole of Northern Ireland. We are clear that in terms of supply chain needs around Covid that the Port of Larne was an essential supply chain route.”

She also reported £17m worth of support has been provided to Northern Ireland ports by the Executive in addition to money provided by the UK government to ferry companies.

“We have to really focus on the strategic importance  of Larne port for our economy and part of our economic recovery plan will also rely on tourism and supply chain that we have with the east/west relationship.

“Part of that is about good infrastructure. We absolutely have to keep high on our agenda our lobby for the A75 and A77 when we get to the other side in Cairnryan. It works both ways.

“That infrastructure will allow people to come to Northern Ireland through Larne. In order to secure that, the way forward will be to organise a North Channel Partnership meeting in June.

“As we emerge from Covid recovery, the links and infrastructure between ourselves and Scotland become even more important.”

Mid and East Antrim is part of a  North Channel Partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council in Scotland.

The council regards the development of the A75 and A77 in Scotland as crucial to  fulfilling the full potential of the A8 as a key economic corridor through Scotland, England and Europe.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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“That infrastructure will allow people to come to Northern Ireland through Larne. In order to secure that, the way forward will be to organise a North Channel Partnership meeting in June.

“As we emerge from Covid recovery, the links and infrastructure between ourselves and Scotland become even more important.”

Mid and East Antrim is part of a  North Channel Partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council in Scotland.

The council regards the development of the A75 and A77 in Scotland as crucial to  fulfilling the full potential of the A8 as a key economic corridor through Scotland, England and Europe.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter