A £200 Million Question: Will New Border Control Posts Become Obsolete?

A staggering £200 million worth of recently constructed border control posts (BCPs) in Northern Ireland are facing possible redundancy due to a pivotal deal between the EU and the UK. Currently, goods from Great Britain must pass through these government-operated BCPs at ports in cities such as Belfast, Larne, Foyle, and Warrenpoint. However, with the impending implementation of an agrifood deal, these checks may soon become unnecessary, raising questions about the future of the newly established facilities.

As of February this year, £71 million had already been spent out of the £192.3 million funding allocated by the UK government for the BCPs, which are expected to be completed and handed over to the Northern Ireland Executive. Following Brexit, Northern Ireland remained part of the EU’s single market, necessitating extensive regulations for the import of food, plants, and animals from Great Britain. The recent deal indicates that all UK regions will revert to following EU agrifood rules, hence eliminating the need for extensive inspections at the BCPs.

The Larne BCP, in particular, has seen significant expansion to accommodate a larger volume of goods, and its construction has been a cause of concern among some unionists, who view it as a physical representation of the so-called “Irish Sea border.” With the new deal, the volume of goods requiring checks will substantially decrease, although some inspections for non-EU goods and livestock inspections will continue.

In light of these developments, DUP MP Sammy Wilson has urged for a halt to construction at the Larne site, highlighting the need for cost-effective governance. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has expressed optimism about the changes, stating it represents progress for Northern Ireland.

Moreover, this agreement also raises questions about the future of BCPs being built in places like Holyhead in Wales, which were intended to manage food product inspections from the Republic of Ireland. The Welsh government has noted that work on this facility is nearing completion, making the need for inspections less relevant if the new deal is implemented.

In summary, the future of the £200 million investment in border control infrastructure hangs in the balance, with potential plans to sell some of the facilities, resulting in a significant re-evaluation of how Northern Ireland manages its border with Great Britain.