By Q Radio News
A new chair has been appointed to the board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority.
Dr Gerard O’Hare will take up the post from the 1st of February for a maximum of four years.
Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon confirmed the move earlier today.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Gerard O’Hare to this important post. Brexit will bring new opportunities and challenges for Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and I am confident that Gerard’s experience will be of significant benefit to the work of the board, in his role as Chair,'' she said.
“I want to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks to the outgoing Chair, Stanley McIlvenny: his contribution has been invaluable to WHA during his tenure.”
It comes as amid a warning that supermarket food prices could rise by five percent if the UK fails to secure a last-minute Brexit trade deal.
A business group says that's because taxes will be added to products we import from the EU.
Some items could apparently cost almost 50 percent more.
However, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium director Aodhán Connolly says the UK Command Paper on NI Protocol provides welcome costs saving.
“It is hugely encouraging that there will be no tariffs on goods from GB-NI that are staying in NI and the grace period of three months for costly Export Health Certificates again is welcome as it removes a financial burden of tens of thousands of pounds per load going to stores across Northern Ireland,'' he said.
''Even more welcome is the Movement Assistance Scheme that will cover the reasonable costs of Export Health Certificates in the future.
''All of these will make a tangible difference to keeping shelves full and costs down.
''But on day one, there is still a need for customs declarations and the frictions that brings. As we have said over this past 4 years friction brings cost and the man hours and delays that come with customs procedures will be problematic.
''To protect Northern Ireland households from unaffordable price rises and availability issues there needs to be long term workable solution that removes the myriad sources of friction and these measures while welcome still will need from the Joint Committee in the future.
''We will continue to engage with the UK and the EU to do our best for Northern Ireland households.
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