Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Simon Thomas has warned of the potential impact of Brexit on Pembrokeshire’s ports.
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs Simon Thomas said:
“I raised the threat to Pembrokeshire ports from Brexit with the First Minister on Tuesday.
“Ports are a very important part of transport in Pembrokeshire particularly the link between Wales and Ireland. Any tariffs or customs controls following Brexit would reduce trade enormously and incentivise alternative routes avoiding Wales.
“With Article 50 triggered this week starting the Brexit process I’m concerned about a decline in goods and passenger numbers carried between Britain and Ireland. There is a lot of talk of developing more direct links between France and the Republic of Ireland to avoid Britain once we have left the European Union.
“This would undermine Pembroke Dock and Fishguard. I’ve asked the Labour Government to work with the Westminster Government to ensure we keep links between ports in Pembrokeshire. The First Minister is aware of the issue and the potential for the by-passing of Welsh ports.
“We must not forget that 40% of visitors to Ireland come from the UK and 30% of visitors to the UK are from Ireland. A significant number of these travel through Pembrokeshire ports and leaving the EU could have a real effect on travel and tourism.”
