Continued strong trade flow between Wales and the Republic of Ireland and the dangers of a No Deal scenario were on the agenda as Plaid Cymru’s Assembly Member for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth met with Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee in Dublin last week.

Visiting the Republic of Ireland alongside Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price last week, both Mr Price and Mr ap Iorwerth met with the Irish Minister of State to discuss the importance of trade between Wales and the Republic, and the importance of continued seamless trade between Holyhead and Dublin.

Traffic through Holyhead Port has increased 694% since the beginning of the Single Market in 1993, and in 2016 over one million vehicles passed through Welsh ports, and many experts have noted how Holyhead Port would be one of the biggest losers in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

Following the meeting in Dublin, Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“It has never been more important to develop the links between our nations. It was clear that the minister shares my concerns for the future of Welsh Ports – and in particular Holyhead Port – in light of Brexit, particularly in the case of a No Deal scenario.

“It is in the interest of everyone concerned to continue seamless flow of trade between Holyhead and Dublin, regardless of which Brexit – if any – we end up with. It is vitally important we avoid a No Deal Brexit. Plaid Cymru are hosting a debate in the Assembly on the dangers of a No Deal Brexit this week, where we will be making the case to have No Deal taken off the table.

“I think the best deal we can get is the one we already have, and think the future of our relationship with the European Union should be put to a People’s Vote now that we have a clear picture of what Brexit really means.”