Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Wednesday 16°CThursday 12°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Derry CityEnvironmentNewsPolitics

Brexit: North told to start work on checkpoint at Derry sea port

written by John September 19, 2020
ShareTweet

Foyle Port in Derry

A LETTER from the British government to Stormont’s Agriculture Department instructs it to start work on check-points at the North’s five sea ports without delay.

The ports are at Foyle in Derry, Belfast, Larne, Warrenpoint and Coleraine.

The letter says it is critical checks are in place, stating such moves are in accordance with the ‘Northern Ireland Protocol’.

Last week Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said he wanted to pause the work on food and animal controls.

The letter, seen by BBC News NI, is from UK Environment Secretary George Eustice.

It was sent to the most senior civil servant in Stormont’s Agriculture Department.

Mr Eustice writes: “It is my expectation that your department will procure such facilities in accordance with obligations of the Northern Ireland Protocol.”

It adds: “Delivery is critical to mitigate risks to food security, including potentially security of supply, cost to the taxpayer and value for money.

“Compliance is necessary for the continued well-being of people, businesses and communities in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Eustice states that the frequency and level of checks are part of the discussions with the EU.

He states that it is government policy to “minimise checks within the spirit of the Northern Ireland Protocol”.

The letter ends: “My view is that it is now the role of your department to procure the facilities for agri-food checks without delay ”

Mr Poots had previously said he wanted to pause the work at sea ports until he had received clarity, but now the work will go ahead.

Earlier this week he confirmed to the BBC that his department had received a letter from Mr Eustice and the UK department was paying for the work at Northern Ireland’s ports.

He said that work would now commence.

In a statement this week, Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Department said: “There is a binding international agreement passed by Westminster to implement the Northern Ireland protocol.

“DAERA officials are working to implement points of entry in order to meet those requirements as set out by the Defra minister and the UK command paper, The UK’s Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“Approved points of entry are a legal requirement for the purposes of protecting public health, securing safe food supply and protecting animal and plant health.”

Tenders for the work at a number of sea ports have just been made public and bids are to be made by later this month.

It is estimated that the work could cost about £40 million.

Brexit: North told to start work on checkpoint at Derry sea port was last modified: September 19th, 2020 by John

Tags:
agri-food checksAgriculture DepartmentAgriculture Minister Edwin PootsBrexit: North told to start work on checkpoint at Derry sea portDerry CityEnvironment Secretary George EusticeFoyle Port
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Harkin: MPs must vote down punitive welfare...

11 hours ago

Mayor welcomes first cohort of Medical School...

11 hours ago

Eastwood to oppose British Government’s disability cuts

13 hours ago

Mayor announces charities of the year and...

13 hours ago

Two males arrested over vehicle crime incidents...

16 hours ago

2025 Class: Real life ‘Derry Girl’ becomes...

1 day ago

McLaughlin: Executive inaction forces closure of vital...

1 day ago

Two men arrested over drug supply probe...

1 day ago

Durkan welcomes move on Home Adaptation backlog

1 day ago

Folúntas: Oifigeach Cléireachais (Na Cealla Beaga)

1 day ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Former Derry coach Rory Gallagher launches High Court action against GAA

    July 1, 2025
  • Derry man jailed over house burglary offences

    June 26, 2025
  • Woman charged to Derry court over shop robbery

    June 25, 2025
  • Killer Hazel Stewart loses appeal over ‘cruel’ double Co Derry murders

    June 25, 2025
  • Dosey Derry rally fan to donate €275 to hospice after THIRD street sleep

    June 25, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy