UFU Backs No-Deal Dairy Crisis Warning

The Ulster Farmers' Union has reiterated a warning that a no-deal Brexit would be the worst possible outcome for Northern Ireland dairying.

The Dairy Council warned earlier this week of a huge rise in trade tariffs that would effectively plunge the industry into a major crisis in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

UFU Deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: "Any agreement that restricts trade north-south and east-west will have a severe impact on Northern Ireland dairy businesses. We have consistently said that any deal must allow free and frictionless trade and that a no-deal Brexit would be disastrous for Northern Ireland's family-run farms."

DCNI's analysis suggests that farmers could lose 10 pence per litre should the proposed tariffs be imposed.

"It would be totally unsustainable for our members and the entire Northern Ireland dairy industry if these tariffs were put in place. Our farmers who are the primary producers, will pay the price for high tariffs ultimately wiping out their livelihoods. Any tariffs the EU applies should be reciprocated. The UK should apply tariffs, which includes goods coming into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.

"We will continue to lobby Government on behalf of our farming families and hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided. The Prime Minister's proposals are a starting point, it addresses some concerns but not others, specifically around tariffs and customs. We need a deal which allows the UK to leave the EU in a managed way so that trade in every direction can occur (north-south and east-west) with minimal disruption and specifically, a resolution that address tariffs between NI and ROI."

Industry Advice On Offer At NI Careers Events

Concrete supplier and manufacturer, FP McCann is to offer its industry expertise at careers events across Northern Ireland's two major universities.

The firm will visit Ulster University's Jordanstown and Magee campuses for a variety of events.

They include:

• Business and Finance Fair (Jordanstown Campus) – Monday 14 October: 11am – 1pm

• IT Fair (Jordanstown Campus) – Tuesday 15 October: 11am – 1pm

• Construction Fair (Jordanstown Campus) – Wednesday 16 October: 12pm – 2pm

• IT, Engineering and Business Fair (Magee Campus) – Monday 21 October: 12pm – 2pm.

Later this month the firm will then visit Queen's University Belfast.

This will include trips to the Business, Finance and Law Fair on Tuesday 22 October, followed by an appearance at the Technology Fair on Wednesday 23 October.

FP McCann will top off its university visits by attending QUB's Science and Engineering Fair on Thursday 24 October.

The team is urging those interested to come along to any of the events to talk about the various career opportunities offered at FP McCann.

Road Repairs To Continue In Armagh City

The Department for Infrastructure has increased the programme of road repairs in Armagh City.

Work will be carried out on Mall East and Gaol Square from 7pm on Friday 11 October until 8pm on Sunday 13 October to address defects.

During these times Mall East will be closed, with local access being maintained via its junction with College Hill at the Court House.

Gaol Square will be closed overnight Friday until 10.30am on Saturday when it will reopen to allow one lane of traffic to flow in each direction until 6.30pm when it will be closed again until 8pm on Sunday. Traffic will also be prohibited from turning right from Barrack Hill onto Victoria Street throughout the works. Signed diversions via Mall West and College Hill will be in operation during the closures.

Road users should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.



(JG/CM)