Deputy Joe McHugh says the Government is doing everything to minimise the impact of Brexit on Donegal, warning that the peace process is still fragile.
Minister McHugh was speaking last night after attending a Brexit conference in Sligo hosted by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
McHugh also said Brexit had become the number one issue of concern in County Donegal.
“The issue is the constant topic of conversation,” said McHugh.
“I have been to two round table conferences in London and I go back there in 10 day to engage with politicians and others to reinforce the need for the unique situation facing us in Donegal and our neighbours in Northern Ireland.
“I have concerns from across all aspects of life; in places like Greencastle where local harbor users see the need to have their concerns taken on board when Derry Port leaves the European Union.”
The Donegal TD said Brexit and its possible consequences for the Border are at the heart of Government policy.
“Our contingency work, rightly, is examining all scenarios,” said McHugh.
“This work includes technical feasibility of a range of possible outcomes and also the serious political implications that a border may bring.
“All of this needs to be discussed in the upcoming negotiations. It is not helpful to try to pre-empt the outcome at this stage for negotiations that have not even begun yet.
“Theresa May’s speech and White Paper gives some clarity about their approach, but uncertainty remains and she left a lot of room for negotiation around trading arrangements and, by extension, the customs regime that might apply.”
He added: “To be clear – our absolute preference is to maintain the closest possible trading relationship between the UK and the EU, including Ireland, and the close relationship along the Border between Donegal and Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh.
“The Taoiseach has made clear his view that any manifestation of a hard bor