Border Issues
There is no clarity as yet as to how the border between the two parts of the island of Ireland will operate. A recent British Ireland Chamber of Commerce (BICC) Forum heard views from Irish Revenue that border posts with long queues of trucks need not happen; however many commentators believe some hardening of border mechanisms will be inevitable, as technological solutions alone will not suffice.
Prepare
Like any other business threat, Brexit requires preparation. One very useful tool is Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit Scorecard at https://ambition.enterprise-ireland.com/prepare-for-brexit.
The accountancy profession and business associations such as IBEC, BICC and IEA publish useful updates on the topic. The Irish government seems well prepared, having ensured inclusion of Ireland’s issues on the EU negotiation agenda. Cross Departmental Brexit teams have been established; the Geological Survey of Ireland is represented on its Departmental group. Staff from Enterprise Ireland have been assigned to the Irish Embassy in the UK.