‘We should be afraid of a no-deal Brexit’ – Taoiseach tells launch of new Abbey Quarter

By COLIN BARTLEY

AN TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar visited Kilkenny today to open and launch a number of exciting projects and developments around the city, but the fear of Brexit wasn’t far from his mind.

In a speech delivered at the launch of the €100 million Brewhouse development this afternoon, the Taoiseach admitted  Britain crashing out of the EU would have ‘very serious’ implications for Ireland.

Speaking to the assembled audience gathered to witness the turning of the sod at the Abbey Creative Quarter in the city, the Taoiseach warned those present Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal “is something we should be very afraid about.”

The Taoiseach said: “I think we should be afraid of a no-deal Brexit. A no-deal Brexit would have very serious impacts on the economy, north and south, and on Britain. It could have security implications as well and could have constitutional implications.

“It’s something that we have to prepare for nonetheless. It is something we should be very  afraid about.”

The Taoiseach was joined on his visit to Kilkenny by the Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, and Kilkenny’s Junior Minister, John Paul Phelan.

During their visit, the Taoiseach and the Ministers took in the launch of the Brewhouse Development in the Abbey Creative Quarter and the opening of IFAC’s new offices. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy then visited three new housing developments, that could see over 3,000 new homes built in Kilkenny in the coming years.

Launching the development at the former Smithwick’s Brewery site, the Taoiseach said the development is an example of what can be achieved.

“I think this is a really good example of what can be achieved when talented people work together to develop innovative ways of regenerating and rejuvenating our cities and towns.”

“This is a new vision for its future, historically connected and globally connected.”