Brexit on agenda at Galway gathering

Issues and opportunities arising from Britain’s decision to leave the EU are to be discussed at a public meeting in Galway, which will be addressed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The public meeting on Brexit has been organised by local Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton with a view to providing information and expert opinion for businesses and individuals in Galway.

Keynote speakers at the event will include Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan and Alan Ahearne, Director of the Whitaker Institute and Professor of Economics and at NUIG and former advisor to the IMF.

The public meeting will also hear the views of Kevin Sherry, executive director of Global Business Development with Enterprise Ireland.

It will be chaired by President of NUIG James Browne, and will take place in the Salthill Hotel at 8pm on Monday, February 13.

“Brexit is one of the most significant economic and geopolitical events of our generation, and its effects will be far-reaching and long-lasting,” said Deputy Naughton.

“It’s going to herald both challenges and opportunities, and it’s vital that businesses and individuals are well-informed and well-prepared as we enter a period of great change and uncertainty.

“Goods and services worth €1.2 billion are traded between Ireland and the UK every week. Brexit will obviously have a significant impact on businesses and self-employed people right across the country.

“We need to protect ourselves from risks associated with Brexit, while also positioning ourselves to capitalise on opportunities that will also arise as a result of the changing political and economic landscape,” said the Fine Gael TD.

The meeting is expected to discuss aspects of Brexit including the status of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK, which predates the foundation of the European Union.