The Clare Local Enterprise Office has expressed concern that some Clare businesses aren’t ready for Brexit.
It comes as Government Ministers are playing down the prospect of a breakthrough in post Brexit trade talks between the EU and UK.
The Taoiseach has said it would be a significant failure if a Brexit deal isn’t finalised this week.
Wednesday has now emerged as the EU’s deadline for finishing these negotiations after Michel Barnier briefed ambassadors and MEPs this morning.
He was quick to dismiss the suggestion that there has been a breakthrough on fisheries after more than ten hours of talks yesterday.
The mood within the Irish government is that a deal should still get done.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned there’s still a lot of work to do, but he still believes it can happen.
The last disagreements are over fishing, access to UK waters and a transition period for EU and Irish boats leaving them.
The level playing field including things like state aid, which could see British companies having an advantage over those in the EU bloc, is also a sticking point.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Commission President Ursala von der Leyen are due to speak this evening as the endgame draws near.
Former Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers claims if there isn’t agreement, it will be due to failings by the EU.
Closer to home, the Clare Local Enterprise Office has raised concern that some businesses in this county, still aren’t prepared for Brexit.
It’s hosting a webinar tomorrow morning, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, to provide expert advice on areas including revenue, logistics, freight and customs clearance.
Head of Enterprise at Clare LEO, Padraic McElwee says there is time for businesses to put measures in place to avoid additional costs, but he says they need to act now.
Enterprise Ireland’s Webinar will take place between 9.30am and 10.30am Tuesday 8th December.
