If you would like to know more about how Brexit will affect your business, farm, or daily life, you are invited to attend a public meeting which has been organised to address these very concerns.
The meeting, which will be held in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday, January 19, has been organised by Fine Gael’s Senator Gabrielle McFadden and Deputy Peter Burke to discuss Brexit and the implications it will have on ordinary people and businesses in the Midlands.
The event will feature guest speakers including Joe Healy of the IFA, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar, president of the Small Firms Association and Mullingar native Patricia Callan, and Arnold Dillon, head of press at IBEC. A panel drawn from regional organisations will also take part in the discussions.
Speaking ahead of the night, Senator Gabrielle McFadden said it was vital that the people of Westmeath and the Midlands 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 single 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. 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 the current situation regarding Brexit, and to receive feedback from people in relation to their concerns and suggestions.”
Deputy Burke says that while people may feel removed from the process, the effects of Brexit will have a huge impact on all our lives.
“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 over 50 years and the Midlands has a role to play in shaping our social and economic future.”
A dedicated email address, [email protected], has been set up to allow people to send in questions ahead of the night. Entry will be free, and the event starts at 8.30pm.
