Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

For more than 30 years, I worked in the private sector before being elected to the Dáil and I understand the fear and uncertainty that businesses and employees are facing as a result of Brexit. Approximately 15% of Irish goods and services are destined for the UK and, in the agrifood sector, that figure goes up to 40%. In a report commissioned by the Government, Copenhagen Economics found that a Brexit resulting in the application of World Trade Organization trading regulations - in other words, a no-deal Brexit - could see Ireland lose 7% of GDP. Current trade costs could rise from 4% to 32% in a no-deal scenario. It also found that regions outside Dublin are more exposed to Brexit with rural areas bearing much of the brunt. Let us not forget that 80% of Irish businesses are small or microbusinesses. Those individuals and families are the people who will feel the sting of Brexit the most.

With two thirds of Irish goods exporters using the UK land bridge, the situation facing business is dire. We need to find alternatives and invest in our ports, build ferry capacity and ensure there are no delays of our exports to Europe or the rest of the world while protecting our continued sustainability in the face Brexit. This should be a key priority for the Government. In 2018, Cork Port handled almost 10.6 million tonnes of goods. There is a serious opportunity now for the Government to invest in Cork, its port and ferry capacity, in the face of a no-deal Brexit.

Cork Airport is also vital for the area and, especially at this time of uncertainty, needs to be supported. The Government has been vocal about its desire to improve Cork as a viable alternative to Dublin and we are now in a unique position to do that. Let us use this opportunity to build Cork, invest in its infrastructure, make it an alternative and opportunity for global business. With a Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs from Cork, to miss this opportunity would be unforgivable.

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