Border firms turn away from NI Importers may buy direct from EU

Fears over border controls and duties prompting rethink of strategies

Eugene McKiernan of Breffni Mushrooms: any further investment in the firm will target Scotland Picture: Barry Cronin

High-profile businesses on the border are considering expanding in England, Scotland and Wales, and redirecting imports through Europe because of fears over border controls and duties.

Several companies from Cavan and Monaghan – which are within 30 kilometres of the border – said they were rethinking their business relationship with Britain and the North.

Eugene McKiernan, the owner of Cavan-based mushroom-grower Breffni Mushrooms which has 330 staff in Ireland, said that since Brexit, ...