Regardless of how Brexit affects the North West, the Irish government must continue to prioritise the improvement of Donegal’s connectivity with the rest of the country, a business meeting in Dublin has been told.
The importance of following through on commitments to the proposed A5 dual carriageway transport corridor through Northern Ireland to Dublin was a recurring theme at the event, titled “Brexit for Donegal: Trick or Treat?”.
The breakfast discussion was organised recently by the Donegal Dublin Business Network (DDBN) at the legal practice Matheson with Karen Reynolds, a partner in Matheson from Letterkenny.
The event featured a panel discussion between three leading members of the Donegal business community – Deirdre McGlone of Harvey’s Point Hotel, Rosy Temple of Magee 1866 and Ian Ireland of the Donegal Investment Group plc.
Event Panel: Padraic Roche, event moderator (Matheson), Deirdre McGlone (Harvey’s Point), Rosy Temple (Magee 1866), Ian Ireland (Donegal Investment Group plc)
Although operating in different sectors, all speakers anticipated a very significant impact on their business if a hard Brexit was the outcome of negotiations between the UK and the EU.
Each panellist reiterated that Donegal’s unique rural setting and culture would remain key to the county’s success when the dust on a Brexit agreement had settled.
Deirdre McGlone said that support from State agencies to businesses operating in the tourism sector in Donegal was improving. The hotel believes it will be able to manage their supply chain but the consequences in terms of UK customers is a concern. She said Harvey’s Point would continue to focus on what they do really well and broadcast a message that Donegal is open for business, all year round.
Karen Reynolds (Matheson), Deirdre McGlone (Harvey’s Point Hotel), Ian Ireland (Donegal Investment Group plc).
Elaine Caffrey (Capita), Majella Ellis (Staines Law), Rosy Temple (Magee 1866).
Rosy Temple stated that the most difficult scenario would be a hard border with duties on goods.
Rosy commented, ‘We operate through various channels as a manufacturer of fabric and across wholesale and retail with our Magee 1866 clothing range – any duties on this complex flow of cross border goods would have a serious impact on our business. In addition, like a lot of Donegal companies, we have many employees who travel across the border to work on a daily basis – any restrictions to this freedom of movement could cause disruption. Whatever the Brexit outcome, we very much hope that the Common Travel Area remains in force. We hope that the numerous uncertainties will be resolved in time, allowing for cross border & UK trade to continue to prosper.’
Grainne Boyle (Matheson), Ian Ireland (Donegal Investment Group plc)
Ian Ireland shared a number of examples with the audience that illustrated the reliance of Irish and Donegal food sector businesses on UK markets, including the fact that 20% of all Irish milk is converted to cheese and exported to Britain.
He added that proper solutions were missing from the debate. At the moment, Ireland and the UK have a slick, well-defined supply chain but a border would increase cost and reduce the quality of food.
Ian also had fears on the possible long-term implications for Ireland within the EU on the departure of its nearest neighbour.
“We need to consider carefully how Ireland will be viewed in the EU after Brexit. It may be that we have lost our closest traditional ally. Ireland is the Aran Islands of Europe – we are 1% of the EU. In 5 / 10 / 20 years, will the rest of Europe view us as an off-shore tax haven that doesn’t pull its weight? We need to build new alliances in Europe,” he concluded.
Seamus McHugh (Intouch), Will Keogh (The Pinnacle Office Furniture Company)
Donall Barrett (MCR Group), Minister Joe McHugh, Donagh Kelly (KN Group)
The DDBN was established almost two years ago to encourage Donegal business people based in Dublin to network, refer business and share contacts and insights with each other.
Membership of the DDBN is open to those who have a place of business or are employed or engaged in business (i.e. you must have an office and must be active) in the Greater Dublin Area and who are from or have strong connections to Donegal.
The group now has more than 250 members. The annual subscription for 2019 is €30 and those interested can enrol online by clicking the membership section at www.ddbn.ie
See more photos from the event below:
Neal McGroarty (PKF), Martin McFadden (Quest Recruitment)
Connell Porter (Consultas Finance Services), Deirdre Dunne (Matheson), Martin McFadden (Quest Recruitment)
Lorcan Roarty (Amgen), Seamus Curran (Scollard Doyle), Eoghan Wherity (O’Callaghan Hotels), Cathal Greene (BNYM Mellon)
Ross Wherity (LiveTiles), Declan Walsh (Liberty Insurance).
Danielle Conaghan (Arthur Cox), Rosy Temple (Magee 1866), Kristen Read (A&L Goodbody), Barry Doherty (Accenture)
Bridget O’Neill (BizPOST), Hugh McGroddy (WJ Brennan & Co Solicitors).
Paul Doyle (Bannon), Minister for State at the Department of Education, Joe McHugh TD, and Antoine Xavier (Xestra Asset Management).
