Brexit meeting to hear of impact on midlands
A public meeting to be held in the new year will discuss Brexit and the implications it will have on ordinary people, businesses and the farming community in the midlands.
The night is being facilitated by Fine Gael in Longford Westmeath and will have guest speakers including Joe Healy, president of the IFA, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar TD, Mullingar native Patricia Callan, president of the Small Firms Association, and Arnold Dillon, head of press at IBEC.
Deputy Peter Burke said it was vital that we as a county and region had input into how the government approaches Brexit when the process is started early next year.
“Brexit is going to have huge consequences for every person in this country and it is vital that we all engage with the issue and put measures and safeguards in place so that we are ready when the process is complete,” he said.
“I believe we all need to be aware of both the risks and opportunities which will present themselves to us over time, and people all across the country want to know exactly what Brexit will mean for them.
“With this in mind, we have set about gathering expertise and information so that we can host an event with two purposes – to inform people in the midlands of what is the current situation regarding Brexit; and to receive feedback from people on the ground in relation to their concerns and their suggestions.
“It will be the issues raised which form the basis of Ireland’s response to Brexit. A Fine Gael Brexit Response Group has been set up to consult communities, businesses and representative groups and I have secured this public meeting to be held in Mullingar.”
Joe Healy of the IFA will highlight a proposed farming response to Brexit: the UK choosing to leave the EU is going to have large scale effects on Ireland’s agrifood market, farming schemes and overall output.
“We also felt that the need of both small-scale and large businesses in the midlands should be addressed, and Arnold Dillon, who is heading IBEC’s response to Brexit will be present, along with Mullingar native Patricia Callan of the Small Firms Association,” said Deputy Burke.
“Minister Leo Varadkar TD and Alan Farrell TD will be outlining the government response to Brexit thus far, and the political implications.”
There will also be a panel made up of regional organisations who answer – as well as ask – questions, and the organisers of the event have been in touch with the Midlands Chamber and the Midlands Gateway Chamber, who will also be represented.
“I think so far, conversations on Brexit have generally been held at higher levels and people may feel removed from the process,” said Deputy Burke.
“But the effects will have a huge impact on our daily lives once negotiations are complete, and we as a region and as communities must have our say before policy is finalised.
“Brexit presents the most significant economic and social challenge Ireland has faced in more than 50 years, and the midlands has a role to play in shaping our social and economic future.”
The organisers have a dedicated email address for people to send questions to ahead of the night: midlandsbrexit@gmail.com.
Entry will be free and they urge people to engage with this process as it will be a chance for people to have their say.
The event takes place in Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday January 19 at 8.30pm.