Post-Brexit checks resume at Northern Ireland's ports

By Q Radio news

Post-Brexit checks at all of Northern Ireland’s ports have resumed today.

Inspections of animal-based food produce arriving at Belfast and Larne ports were suspended last week amid concerns over the safety of staff.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council had raised concerns of menacing behaviour being aimed at workers.

Threatening graffiti expressing opposition to a so-called Irish Sea border had appeared in the Larne area.

However, the PSNI has since said there was no evidence of 'credible threats'.

(Border force officers in operation at one of Northern Ireland's ports)

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Peter Johnston has defended the Council's decision to remove staff from Larne Port, over fears for their wellbeing:

Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan welcomed the move but said “serious questions” remain for the Agriculture Minister.

“The safe return of workers is a priority and their safety must be paramount,” he said.

“While it is welcome that workers will be back in post, there are still serious questions to be answered by the Minister for Agriculture around how and why the staff were withdrawn in the first place and who made the decision.”

Unionists and Loyalists have voiced opposition to post-Brexit arrangements, which have seen the introduction of additional checks on some goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Signs and graffiti opposing an Irish Sea border have appeared across the region.

(A Department of Agriculture site at one of Northern Ireland's ports)