Substantial progress on Brexit needs to be achieved in the immediate future outlined An Tánaiste Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for Brexit at a briefing breakfast this morning (Friday 18^th May) in the Newpark Hotel. Kilkenny County Council in conjunction Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, Kilkenny IFA and the Local Enterprise Office with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network hosted this event which outlined the latest political developments from An Tánaiste and also some viewpoints from the business community here in Kilkenny and agri-sector.

An Cathaoirleach Cllr David Fitzgerald, Kilkenny County Council welcomed over 200 attendees to this seminar whereby An Tánaiste outlined the various milestones associated with Brexit negotiations and also the Governments initiatives that are available to assist Irish businesses and the Irish economy prepare for Brexit. The panel discussion which followed provided the viewpoints from some Kilkenny based entrepreneurs and representatives from the agri-sector community.

An Tánaiste Simon Coveney advised that “substantial progress in Brexit negotiations needs to be achieved before the EU Summit on the 28^th June in order for some clarity on the UK’s exit proceedings. Clarity is also required from the viewpoint of the Irish economy as a whole, but in particular for Irish businesses and those operating in the agri-sector and tourism industry in relation to the type of trade agreement that will exist in the future between the UK and the EU. He added “businesses need to be able to plan ahead and prepare for any possible negative effects Brexit may have”.

The panel discussion was facilitated by economist Jim Power and the panel consisted of Kilkenny based entrepreneurs Terry Clune, Founder & CEO, Taxback; Ann-Marie McSorley, Founder & CEO, VERI; Michael Collins, CFO, Connolly RED MILLS and also Susan Maher, Agri Development Manager, Bank of Ireland and Damian McDonald, Director General, IFA. The panel provided their opinions in relation the challenges and possible opportunities that may arise from Brexit and also outlined their preparation in advance on 29^th March 2019 when the UK is officially due to exit as an EU member state.

The event provided an informative insight into the latest political position on the status of the negotiations on Brexit. It also provided an opportunity to find out more about what is on offer and what supports could possibly apply to your business and the agri-sector to assist in preparations for Brexit.