Plastic checks ‘uncertain’ amid new ports opening
Plastic checks at Northern Ireland inspection ports remain “uncertain” as cargo ships sail into newly opened ports today (Tuesday).
The new SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) product inspection facilities are due to be operational this week at a cost of almost £200m.
The sites will be handed over to DAERA (Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) as operator of the facility.
However, concerns over plastic material checks were raised at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) recent environment committee at its own Warrenpoint Harbour.
Mournes DUP councillor, Henry Reilly said: “On the inspection of plastics coming in from GB, that may come from Hong Kong or China. Surely GB has rules that would prevent that stuff getting in. I can’t understand that bit.”
The latest phase of the Windsor Framework Agreement will see the delivery of newly constructed inspection facilities at Northern Ireland ports being rolled out from 1 July, according to a council report.
Previously updated trade deals between the EU and the UK after Brexit have seen the end of some forms of inspections such as agrifood rules.
Though as the new inspection ports open, the council is still awaiting further instruction on plastic checks from countries outside of the UK and EU.
Details of what plastics could be checked at Warrenpoint were kept on a confidential council report away from public and press view. There are five commercial ports in Northern Ireland at Belfast, Larne, Derry, Warrenpoint and Coleraine.
Speculation on the imports could suggest potential delays to deliveries and extra costs on items made from plastic.
A council officer responded: “I will come back to you directly, councillor on the details of that. That relates to third country imports and a check that would be required there.
“Some uncertainties remain in areas where UK Government ministers have yet to provide direction, however we are aware that discussions between the UK Government and the EU are continuing.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted Cllr Reilly on Monday (June 30) when he confirmed that the NMDDC officer had not yet contacted him to provide clarity on the matter despite the opening of the new inspection ports in a matter of hours.