Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Friday 24°CSaturday 25°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

Man to face Derry court over cannabis...

2 hours ago

Man arrested in Derry after 120 cannabis...

17 hours ago

Derry Labour Market Partnership celebrate success of...

17 hours ago

Savour the best of the North West...

18 hours ago

Bin collections and Recycling Centres operate as...

18 hours ago

Finance Minister visits sites of Derry Strabane...

18 hours ago

Durkan: We need to get serious about...

1 day ago

Police appeal over children playing in derelict...

1 day ago

Historic US flag stolen from Derry college

2 days ago

Strabane success in promoting Vibrant Town in...

2 days 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

  • Man to face Derry court over cannabis plants seizure

    July 11, 2025
  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 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