Galway’s status as a major tourist hub could be threatened by Brexit, with a warning sign being sterling’s plummet in the aftermath of last year’s referendum, a situation, which, if it is repeated after the UK formally leaves the EU, will make it more expensive for British people to holiday here.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil spokesperson on finance Michael McGrath, who will be the main speaker at a public meeting, entitled Brexit and its consequences for Galway. The meeting is being organised by Fianna Fáil city councillor Peter Keane and takes place in the Harbour Hotel on Thursday February 16.
“Brexit is the greatest economic challenge facing this country in decades, and all efforts must be made to ensure that Ireland is protected from any negative fallout,” he said. “The UK government’s decision to opt for a hard Brexit is particularly worrying in terms of our economic and social relationship with Britain. Galway’s status as a major tourist hub could be threatened which would be particularly damaging for the local economy in Galway.”
Dep McGrath said “the impact of Brexit cannot be overestimated” and he criticised the Government for “appearing to be on back foot”. He added: “The issue of a hard border between the North and South has still not been fully addressed and this uncertainty is creating unease among businesses.”
