'Seamless' Construction Industry Would Be Severely Impacted By No-Deal

The "seamless" flow of workers, materials and contracts in construction industry between Northern Ireland and the Republic would be "severely impacted" by a no-deal Brexit, a Sinn Fein MLA has warned.

Philip McGuigan said he shares the concerns of those working in the sector about the growing possibility that the UK will crash out of the EU without securing a withdrawal deal.

MP's are due to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's controversial Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons on Tuesday 15 December.

The north Antrim MLA said the construction industry is "crucial to the economy and prosperity" of Northern Ireland and that any changes to the current free flow of goods will have adverse impacts for the trading of goods and productivity within the sector.

"There is currently a seamless flow of industry workforce, building products, materials, contracts and industry qualifications across the island of Ireland and this must be allowed to continue.

"80 percent of cement used in the construction materials sector in the north is sourced from the south. Think of the impact any delays on the haulage or added restrictions with just this one product. On an island this size the construction industry is interwoven across the island in all aspects.

"Companies from the north have long depended on the ability to win contracts and work in the South, building and maintaining roads as well as other major infrastructure projects. Other firms have been able to supply products.

"It is also well recognised that companies here need to have the ability to employ staff from EU countries as they currently do and we cannot allow any no-deal Brexit to jeopardise this."



(JG/CM)