Independent TD Thomas Pringle urged Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to take into consideration Donegal’s special case as the UK leaves the EU.
Pringle said that there were three main issues that made Donegal a special case in the negotiations.
“Our extensive border with Northern Ireland impacts on us in many ways. 33,000 people cross the border everyday for work or studies which means we need to see the future preservation of the common travel area in this region,” said Pringle.
Pringle said that Brexit would also impact the fishing industry in the county: “Over 35% of Irish quota that Irish fishermen catch is caught in UK waters, so continued access for the fishermen to the fishing grounds is vital. said Pringle.
The final issue that made Donegal a special case was the importance of Donegal people to be able to access health care, especially cancer treatment across the border. Many people from Donegal are currently sent across the border to receive treatment in Altnagelvin hospital in Derry, however this treatment could be severely jeopardized by Brexit.
Pringle believed that the impact of Brexit could be minimized as long as negotiations represented the Irish people’s interests effectively.
“However, in my opinion from the outset, the EU does not have a history of keeping the Irish people at heart which is why I have urged Barnier to take into account Donegal’s special case and represent the people’s interest effectively throughout the Brexit negotiation process,” concluded Pringle.
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