THE BORDER INTO BREXIT: Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Executive Summary

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T 1 Contents 3 11 8 6 5 14 13 18 12 12 15 16 10 10 23 32 30 28 26 29 26 14 16 20 10 26 ...... A hard border Leave supporters in the border region Leave A No Deal Brexit The Revised Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement Protocol in the Withdrawal The Revised interviews The focus groups and individual stakeholder Acknowledgements Summary Executive What would a hard border mean to you? A hard border as a personal and emotional experience The Study The survey A Harder Border...... 29 Growing anticipation of a hard border of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives Contents List of Figures The project Introduction The project of Ireland / Northern Ireland The Central Border Region region The uniqueness of the border What has been achieved The bridged border The criss-crossed border The respondents Foreword Impact of Brexit The context of the two phases of the project of the two phases The context Boarding on Brexit By Belfast December 2019 ISBN 978-1-916256132 Queen’s University Belfast Queen’s THE BORDER INTO BREXIT: BREXIT: THE BORDER INTO Katy Hayward & Milena Komarova Katy Centre for International Borders Research Centre for International Borders Research Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland of Ireland / Northern Border Region Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Communities from Local Perspectives A report prepared for the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) A report prepared for the Irish Central Border Area Network List of Figures 5 16 27 30 28 29 26 ...... of survey responses ‘word cloud’ ...... List of Figures List of Figure 1. of Central Border Region authority areas included in the Map of the local Ireland Ireland/Northern Figure 2. by local authority area Place of residence of survey respondents, Figure 3. Citizenship of survey respondents Figure 4. referendum in the 2016 Brexit How survey respondents voted Figure 5. than you thought last year? is more or less likely Do you think a hard NI/IRL border Figure 6. A to you? What would a hard border mean Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives 81 78 44 57 43 67 33 70 84 38 42 54 45 49 64 35 58 85 86 86 55 59 67 42 49 54 86 59 80 The Border into Brexit ......

Interview codes Appendix 3: Codes used in referencing data Focus Group codes The anticipated political consequences of a hard border political consequences of a hard The anticipated connections Impact on social relations and be represented after Brexit? How should the border region Preamble to survey...... 80 Survey questions Appendix 2: Theme guides for interviewing...... 84 Focus group guide interview guide Individual stakeholder Appendix 1: The Border Into Brexit online survey Appendix 1: The Border Into Brexit Impact on business, work and investment Impact on business, work and Ahead Looking of Brexit of the interrelated consequences The complexity The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced The Impact of Brexit Socio-economic and practical concerns Socio-economic Security concerns Agreement Withdrawal to the Revised Responses Ireland The new Protocol on Ireland/Northern Supporters The Views of Leave supporters and this survey Leave Views on a hard border The risks of a No Deal The risks A hard border as a ‘retrograde’ step as a ‘retrograde’ A hard border A No Deal Brexit The practical costs of a hard border The practical costs Views on a No Deal Brexit for the border region after Brexit Preferences for representation The negative effects of uncertainty The negative effects What issues relating to Brexit require further discussion...... 74 require further What issues relating to Brexit election’ The lay of the land after ‘the Brexit Contents 4 Foreword 7 The Brexit process has been constantly developing and the latest general election results election results the latest general and constantly developing has been process The Brexit would bet against subject and who complex move this on again. It is a in the UK will likely guide on this report provides is a reference and turns being involved. What yet more twists of a No as how the likes discussion topics, such the minute research on key the latest up to on communities here. the new Protocol are impacting Deal scenario and work and to contributed to this piece of to all who have our thanks I wish to also record Hayward. Katy Dr. author, of our esteemed echo the acknowledgements assisted ably Hayward, Dr. to appreciation and thanks our record to wish would I firstly, But professionalism University Belfast for their diligence, and to Queen’s Milena Komarova by Dr. our member Councils and everyone Also to our staff, and commitment to the initiative. initiative and to seek contributions. This initiative would not who has helped promote the time and effort of everyone who completed the online have been realised without the interviews. group meetings and participated in the stakeholder attended the focus survey, funders, the to the project’s our sincere thanks to you all again. And finally, Many thanks whose support we Reconciliation Fund, without Trade’s and Department of Foreign Affairs initiative. this worthwhile would have been unable to undertake Treanor, Councillor Pat December 2019 ICBAN Chair, Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit report. ‘Border into Brexit’

ICBAN is the cross-border network for the area known as the Central Border Region of Region Border the Central as the area known network for the cross-border ICBAN is authorities local the eight are organisation of the members Ireland. The / Northern Ireland address to help 1995 since working has been and ICBAN Region the up make together who cooperation to the area. common issues of cross-border University Belfast (QUB) type which ICBAN and Queen’s This is the third report of this Board of ICBAN had identified an absence of have completed. In 2017 the Management of the both sides on process Brexit impacts of the on the local community consultation we have sought to give voice to the people from our Border with QUB Together border. and report on these opinions. Through the three and to provide a means to record Region, have also responses have been gathered in total. We c.1600 reports completed to date, findings are brought to the attention of those involved endeavoured to ensure that the UK the that ensured have we end this to and subject the on discussions level high the in NI politicians, and those centrally involved in the EU, government, the Irish government, been made aware of the findings through media coverage, have received the reports and and mechanisms. The reports serve as a timely various fora, consultation processes those to be impacted in this process, and affecting stake reminder of what is tangibly at businesses of this border region. most directly – the people and border which runs is the latest challenge to cooperation in the area; indeed, the Brexit might be implemented. is central to the current debates on how Brexit through our Region representatives from The Management Board of ICBAN, which comprises 27 elected of our organisation to highlight this border region, believe it is incumbent upon the likes any is possible, insofar as to help withstand, and to work concerns, any opportunities or the of businesses and communities the on Brexit from arising consequences negative respect the differing political opinions within our Board, our member Councils and area. We that this is a non-political communities on the subject, and thus have been careful to ensure and non-partisan initiative. the public discourse on the As a Board we hope and trust that this initiative adds value to and valuable reports and representations which our are aware of the important subject. We local authorities have led on, and thus we have member Councils and other Border Region sought to not duplicate this good work, but to complement it. Foreword (ICBAN) Ltd. Central Border Area Network Management Board of the Irish On behalf of the to you this I wish to commend Foreword 6 Acknowledgements 9 It must be stressed also that this, third, instalment of our research on the effects of Brexit of Brexit the effects our research on instalment of that this, third, stressed also It must be was conducted at a particularly of Ireland / Northern Ireland Region on the Central Border actively added to the This rather febrile context political change. critical time of dynamic discussion and engagement participants’ of dynamic the and inquiries our of direction in the report itself. and interviews, as we acknowledge during focus groups much space as possible we wanted to give as with the previous two, In this report, as to on this the opportunity to be listened region who are not often given to people in the and finding the to categorisation of data has been confined primarily topic. Our analysis interpretation of the issues. As such, we have kept predominant themes and common to a minimum. The report is, first and foremost, data and subsequent recommendations occupation age, a range of backgrounds, of people from a presentation of perspectives moves UK the As Ireland. Ireland/Northern of Region Border Central the in viewpoints and mark and listen to the views of those most it is important to acknowledge, closer into Brexit, external frontier of the European Union. becoming an directly affected by the Irish border Milena Komarova and Dr. Hayward Katy Dr. Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit in supporting the supporting in . The funders have had have . The funders project and has been made possible project and has been made possible ‘went the extra mile’ ‘went the extra , enabling her to work full-time on the research , enabling her to work full-time ‘Border Navigator’ ‘The UK in a Changing Europe’ ‘The Future and Status of Northern Ireland after Brexit’ of Northern Ireland after ‘The Future and Status

no influence at all in the design or conduct of this report, which has been performed has been which report, this of or conduct design the in at all influence no with the facilitating role of ICBAN staff in the distribution independently by the researchers, and the organisation of the focus groups and stakeholder and promotion of the survey interviews. to the online survey whose thoughtful to all 475 respondents sincerest thanks extend We of the border region for and engaged responses have taught us about the significance implications. its real-life have pithily expressed drawing nearer, its people and, with Brexit will be but we justice here, space to do all responses that there has not been regret We drawing upon this data in future publications and papers. each one of the participants of the five particular gratitude to also wish to express We many of whom gave up interviews, focus groups and the twelve individual stakeholder to the discussions. So many hours of their time and travelled some distance to contribute times this several we could have run group that to participate in a focus volunteered only a small fraction of the again, number had time and resources allowed. Unfortunately, read and analysed however, We have, discussions could be included in the final report. insights in other participants’ them in their entirety and will continue to draw upon our publications and presentations. Acknowledgements (Queen’s Komarova Milena and Dr. Hayward Katy co-authored by Dr. This report was Central Border Area to Shane Campbell of the Irish are grateful We University Belfast). Joanne Breen of this project, and to for his leadership and facilitation Network (ICBAN) in the of this report, particularly preparation the assistance in invaluable in ICBAN for her involved. transcribing of the focus groups organising and local authorities represented in the ICBAN cross- to thank each of the eight like would We for this initiative and helping to publicise the survey, border partnership for their support who staff and Councillors those especially and topic of topic project and the work of ICBAN in this regard. project and the work of ICBAN This initiative is part of the wider and Affairs Foreign of Department the of Fund Reconciliation the from assistance through by supported also is project the on work authors’ The invaluable. been has which Trade, senior fellowship Hayward’s Council, which funds Dr. the Economic and Social Research through Acknowledgements 8 Executive Summary 11 ‘I (Respondent 168). (Respondent ‘Possible loss of my job; increased cost of ‘Possible ‘I feel very angry that there is no one to represent that there is no one to represent ‘I feel very angry (Respondent 344) (Respondent (Respondent 279). (Respondent my voice in the UK Parliament - and also in our local Assembly. This is the area and This is the area and Assembly. - and also in our local UK Parliament my voice in the representing to be most affected and where are the leaders the people that are likely us?’ Just as various cross-border aspects of life in the region are interrelated and, thus, and, thus, are interrelated of life in the region aspects various cross-border Just as a concern with potential For example, about the impact of Brexit. so are concerns business, inconvenience and loss of is connected to fears of delays, border checks in tensions, friction and regression about a rise of community as well as to concerns the peace process. which and voicelessness of lack of political representation There is a feeling the sense of anxiety: exacerbates The impossibility of separating the practical from the security implications of a hard The impossibility of separating the practical from the security border is seen in many responses, e.g. having to approach living; curtailment of my way of living; reintroduction of fear when due to the associated dangers.’ potential border checks More than 4 in 5 respondents think the likelihood of a hard border has increased think the likelihood More than 4 in 5 respondents in leadership political is view this for given reason overwhelming The year. last since stance of PM Boris Johnson and the rhetoric of the British specifically the Westminster, from leadership political of lack the is given reason Another Deal. No on government Stormont. as a harder border is unanimously seen of views of its likelihood, Regardless all of people of minds the in conflict with associated is This step. retrograde a many: for anxiety and fear induces prospect the consequence, a As generations. am frightened. I don’t think I could go back to living with the old order. Before I didn’t I didn’t Before go back to living with the old order. think I could am frightened. I don’t want and I don’t normal] isn’t thought it was normal; now I know [it know any better, to go back.’

f f f f f A hard border Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives , which , ‘Brexit at at ‘Brexit The Border into Brexit ‘Bordering on Brexit’ project run by Queen’s University University Queen’s project run by (Respondent 463). (Respondent ‘The Border into Brexit’ ‘The Border into , the results from which were published in 2018 (found at https://go.qub. published from which were , the results the Border’ ac.uk/brexitborder). Specific experiences and expectations of impact notwithstanding, many respondents expectations of impact notwithstanding, experiences and Specific which has only negative connotations: share an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty, down waiting for a storm’ being hunkered ‘Like Respondents to the survey report wide and significant experience of Brexit already experience of Brexit to the survey report wide and significant Respondents from the economic (e.g. having an impact on their lives and on their plans. This ranges community tensions). relocation, business downsizing) to the social (e.g. redundancy, by ongoing many respondents claimed, is exacerbated A related sense of insecurity, speculation about what the future for the border might be. With Brexit drawing nearer, the research asked people living and working in the people the research asked drawing nearer, With Brexit of a hard border their anticipation already, of Brexit region about their experiences as the unique nature of the border region. as well and their views on a No Deal Brexit, voices of local people on for the create an opportunity The purpose of the study is to heard. both sides of the border to be Belfast in conjunction with the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) of eight Area Network (ICBAN) with the Irish Central Border Belfast in conjunction Ireland. of Ireland/Northern Border Region local authorities in the Central reports: previous two from follow-on a is research The The research consisted of two parts – a large online survey of 475 respondents, The research consisted of two across the individual interviews with stakeholders five focus groups and 12 in-depth the research included over 500 Altogether, border. region, from both sides of the participants. These are results from the These are results was completed in late 2017 (found at https://go.qub.ac.uk/bordering) and at https://go.qub.ac.uk/bordering) was completed in late 2017 (found

f f f f f f Impact of Brexit The project Executive Summary Executive

Executive Summary Executive 10 Executive Summary 13 ‘A (Respondent 2). (Respondent were not spontaneously mentioned by were not spontaneously mentioned ‘democratic consent’ No Deal Brexit means all bets are off, anything can happen’ bets are off, means all No Deal Brexit The cross-border normality of life in the region led many respondents to view a No respondents region led many of life in the normality The cross-border to conflict: effect, from business closure having a profound and wide as Deal Brexit but particularly in this research data, fear of a return to violence is ever-present The a No Deal scenario. so in relation to our research participants, which suggest that they are not considered to be the most to be the most suggest that they are not considered our research participants, which significant part of the Protocol. Anxiety about what Brexit will mean is exacerbated by a lack of information and clarity will mean is exacerbated Anxiety about what Brexit negotiated by Prime Ireland that was Ireland/Northern about the revised Protocol on and what it would mean for the region. government, Minister Boris Johnson’s note growing concerns among unionists and Many in our focus groups and interviews this seriously in terms of a threat to stability in take loyalists in Northern Ireland and region. Northern Ireland and the border The mechanisms for the Protocol (and the comments about for respondents of all backgrounds, In contrast, of about the likelihood it from senior politicians) gave rise to deeper apprehension as the Brexit to, Ireland and the border region being listened concerns from Northern phase. process moves into the next

f f f f f f The revised Protocol in the The revised Protocol Withdrawal Agreement Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit that we were referring to was about was to referring were we that ‘No Deal’ Brexit: if there is no Withdrawal Agreement, and Brexit: ‘No Deal’ ‘No if there is no future UK-EU trade agreement. If there is no Withdrawal Agreement, is no Withdrawal If there trade agreement. if there is no future UK-EU trade and cooperation it means that there is no legal basis for much of the current of that border. across the Irish border and would result in an immediate hardening the of openness the that means this ratified is Agreement Withdrawal current the If in the future UK-EU Irish land border will be protected, regardless of what happens agreed further to the future trade deal if there is no UK-EU However, relationship. movement of friction in the there will be this means that Agreement, Withdrawal a harder Irish Sea border. goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, i.e. the research, this conducted we When There are two types of a A range of ideas were offered from Leave supporters about multilevel means for Leave supporters A range of ideas were offered from including phase of Brexit, border region in the next representing the views of the institutions. making more use of British-Irish land border. there being no Withdrawal Agreement, and thus a hard Irish Nonetheless, many Leave voting respondents do express anxiety about the anxiety voting respondents do express Nonetheless, many Leave implications of a No Deal. out of strongly Irish voted Leave There was a small minority of respondents who the desire to hasten Irish unification by increasing republican sentiments, primarily resentment towards Britain. Leave supporters in this survey were also, perhaps unsurprisingly, less likely to less likely unsurprisingly, perhaps also, in this survey were supporters Leave and the risks in negative terms. Many consider impact in the region view any Brexit ends. and often made for political to be exaggerated, of a hard border consequences The findings of this report concur with the previous two, in that those who voted in that those concur with the previous two, The findings of this report had an to have already Brexit than others to consider less likely were much Leave impact on the region.

f f f f f f f A No Deal Brexit Leave supporters in the border region supporters Leave

Executive Summary Executive 12 Introduction 15 had been negotiated and released. and negotiated been had ‘backstop’ context for this project was quite different to the previous two was quite different to the for this project context Brexit was high during the first phase of the research. It also meant that was high during the first phase of the Brexit ‘Brexit’ ‘No Deal’ This project occurred over a period of time of particular significance in the process of the particular significance in the over a period of time of This project occurred the EU. withdrawal from UK’s research occurred prior to the third deadline given for the The first phase of this latest published were report the of findings interim The 2019. October 31 i.e. withdrawal, UK’s Summit at which the revised Withdrawal Agreement just prior to the European Council Boris Johnson was considered. The second phase of the negotiated by Prime Minister and the deadline for was concluded the revised Agreement research was conducted after timing meant that the This 2020. again to 31 January withdrawal was extended the UK’s risk of a The context of the two phases of the two The context of the project The political and before the May was Prime Minister and reports came out whilst Theresa reports. The other and the so-called Withdrawal Agreement the focus of concern about the hardening of a border moved from being the land border in the focus of concern about the as this is a potential Sea border during the second phase, the first phase to being the Irish on Northern Ireland/Ireland. consequence of the revised Protocol were conducted during the interviews all the stakeholder A few of the focus groups and prior this report was concluded behind research in the UK but the Election campaign General interviews or groups focus the in for discussion a topic not was election The day. election to the served to exacerbate acknowledging that this context and it was not raised. It is worth We to date. experience sense of uncertainty that has characterised so much of the Brexit Election became known. finalised the draft of this report just as the results of the General results, from Northern Ireland The report concludes with a brief discussion of what these and for a project of may mean for the Central Border Region and from the UK as a whole, this nature. Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit project (http://icban.com/ ‘UK in a Changing Europe’ Europe’ a Changing in ‘UK as it is today. ‘Border Navigator’ ‘frictionless’ and ‘seamless’ scenario on the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland. This of Ireland/Northern Central Border Region scenario on the ‘No Deal’ ‘No

border-compass/) by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Reconciliation Fund. Reconciliation Fund. Trade’s and of Foreign Affairs border-compass/) by the Department provided by analysis has been the process of research Additional financial support for Council through the Economic and Social Research the UK’s initiative (https://ukandeu.ac.uk/). The Region. and the Central Border of reports on Brexit This is the third initiative in a series (https://go.qub.ac.uk/ 2017 November in published was Brexit, on Bordering report, first unrepresented in the region felt uninformed about Brexit, bordering) and found that people about the consequences of it. in the process, and had deep fears published in June 2018 (https://go.qub.ac.uk/ the Border, at The second report, Brexit services other and education health, transport, to access of ease that showed brexitborder), of the border in this region. It was greatly valued by the majority of people on both sides share a common priority for the voters in the region and Remain also revealed that Leave border to remain as The project and the possible implications of Brexit of a project on the impacts These are the findings of a Introduction The project was conducted in three phases: the online survey (five weeks from September- (five weeks The project was conducted in three phases: the online survey Interviews the Stakeholder October 2019), the Focus Groups (October-November 2019), and mid- released in were online survey from the Interim findings 2019). (November-December (https://go.qub.ac.uk/ of findings report interim and brief release a press through October with over 500 followers) was also set-up account (@BorderBrexit, A Twitter BorderBrexit). extracts from some of the qualitative data. to disseminate findings and research has been conducted by a small team at Queen’s University Belfast (led by Dr. Katy Katy (led by Dr. Belfast University by a small team at Queen’s conducted has been research Border Area Network in conjunction with the Irish Central Milena Komarova), Hayward & Dr. the known as area in the authorities local of eight partnership cross-border the (ICBAN), Central Border Region. part of ICBAN’s This work has been funded as

Introduction 14 The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland 17

or ‘entry points’ (R81). (R70).1 (interview 2). but across communities along the border, on both sides. This sides. on both border, the along communities across but quoted survey, focus group and interview responses with minimal editing only where necessary for clarity. focus group and interview responses with minimal editing only where necessary for clarity. quoted survey, And for a border region, Brexit brings change and challenges to local authorities in Ireland challenges to local authorities brings change and region, Brexit And for a border widespread across not just – and changes that are and Northern Ireland (R9). that reality is of a border that has had enormous symbolic and practical And, of course, significance: Fundamentally, and even more broadly, the uniqueness of the region centres on the ways broadly, and even more Fundamentally, between the UK and Ireland, permeating political, in which the border is a connection social, cultural and economic life: a different a line in the sand. And first of all, that line says, ‘it’s There’s different here. ‘It’s and ‘different ‘different this’ and then it’s a different religion’, and second ‘it’s jurisdiction’ years. I don’t the division over rid of that And we got division. A border creates that’. ‘Because the border cuts through our parishes, neighbourhoods, farms and homes, it will and homes, farms parishes, neighbourhoods, through our the border cuts ‘Because single thing we do’ affect us in every the whole in Northern Ireland will mean of job losses and recession ‘The predictions and they had no say in the decision’ suffer the same, border region will posts’ ‘border inspection captured the challenge well: interviewee in local government that I represent – has one of the look, Monaghan – the county that I live in, the county ‘So, international frontiers of any local authority within Europe. longest what you might term and Fermanagh - all of boundary with counties Armagh, Tyrone … over 200km There’s there are communities living in every road, in every street, touching on to Monaghan. And on one of those roads and communities has a counterpart in every part of that and every be will Brexit of impact the it, of community the from So border. the of side northern the huge and none of it any good’ border land the be to going It’s border. the at politics the to layers more always ‘There’s of possible implications. If you’re geographically That had loads between UK and the EU. to think about but if probably not something you’re going it’s far away from the border, part of your everyday reality’ the border goes through your farm or your town, then it’s 1 have We Survey are labelled by the randomly-assigned number given to each submission. R = Respondent. in the Responses Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit

Figure 1. Map of the local authority areas included in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Region Figure 1. Map of the local authority areas included in the Central Border are not confined of Brexit The nature of the border region means that the ramifications leaving the European Union. to Northern Ireland areas as the part of the region which is project, which shows that – This comes out very clearly in the research conducted for this even eligible (nearly a third) were not although a significant proportion of our respondents and felt across the is being anticipated to vote in the referendum – the impact of Brexit border: The uniqueness of the border region of the The uniqueness Banbridge Armagh City, covers eight local authority areas: The Central Border Region Omagh, and Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland, plus Cavan, and Craigavon, Fermanagh and Ireland. Monaghan and Sligo in Donegal, Leitrim, The Central Border Region of Region Border The Central Ireland / Northern Ireland

The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland Northern / Ireland of Region Border Central The 16 The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland 19 but also a very but also a very ‘normal’ He then contrasted this with his (R23). ‘In my personal experience…we didn’t cross the border for a long, cross the didn’t ‘In my personal experience…we (focus group 4). (focus group 4). long period – we simply didn’t cross that border. It was as if Northern Ireland was Iceland Ireland as if Northern was It that border. cross didn’t we simply period – long go to.’ or something. It was a country we simply didn’t The achievements of the peace process and the heightened significance in the border the in significance heightened the and process peace of the achievements The by the process of extent region of what has been achieved through that (enabled to some from participants in the European integration) are encapsulated in a lot of the reflections interviews in particular. focus groups and stakeholder like one unionist participant from County Monaghan described what it was For example, area: up in the growing Another participant in the same focus group concurred: Another participant in the same The interconnected nature of the border region is seen as both nature of the border region The interconnected ‘We cross the border regularly and have got used to working /living/shopping/being to working /living/shopping/being got used and have the border regularly cross ‘We away taken be will choices Many time. the at best us suits that side the on etc. educated from power because they are remote [areas] are always less prosperous from us. Border region. That find well paid work in the border hard enough as it is to It’s and the money. to get any better’ going isn’t the by cherished particularly in the region – something present day life precious part of of participants in the village by focus group This was clearly expressed older generation. the border: which straddles Pettigo, football and social got good integration with Ederney and Belleek through ‘We’ve totally change the dynamic. I know people now that activities. If roads closed, it would go I never knew them… because the bridge was down. To grew up a mile from here and way round the country just to get to Belleek. to Belleek, you had to go all the or religion. They just creed their neighbour is – race, care who they don’t Kids today, towns and different interact from different play football together, socialise together, just rivalry between football teams or whatever on, it’s villages. If there is anything going and won’t go back to anything that is more serious than that…we cannot We it might be. it’ allow can’t to move on for all want We some sectarian dug-out little hole. to look like want don’t ‘We before the peace process, the betterment of our communities and our children. I know have lent you a shovel. But from the your Catholic or your Protestant neighbour mightn’t afraid of orange weren’t down. People of that broke all changed. All process, that peace and green’ Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives ‘I don’t ‘I don’t ‘We are ‘We (R101). The Border into Brexit (R70). (focus group 3). This is not primarily a political (focus group 3). This is not primarily ‘Pain is more intense closer to the wound’ ‘Pain (R12). One respondent summarised the reason why change to the border (R12). One respondent summarised (focus group 4).2

2 of coding of focus groups See Appendix 3 for explanation ‘To just exist, like going to school, the shops, church, work or socialise we will have to have will we socialise or work church, shops, the school, to going like exist, just ‘To regimes, encountering cross between two different jurisdictions with separate compliance on a daily basis’ checks accountability, surveillance, extra What has been achieved What has been of a harder border leads people to reconsider the All this means that the anticipation explains, respondent another As itself. region border the in working and living of experience be to navigate and manage a hard border between an EU when imagining what it would Region: and a non-EU member-state running through the Central Border want to see it come back in any form, even psychologically. I saw the border, as we were saw the border, I even psychologically. in any form, see it come back want to people take people into corners and made so much harm. It pushed growing up doing sides’ Indeed, this point is repeatedly elaborated on by both survey respondents and by Indeed, this point is repeatedly elaborated on by both positive side of living in a participants in focus groups. One respondent describes the flip side of this means that, border region with an open border as increasing choice; the for daily life increased: choices will be reduced and difficulties with a hard border, at grave risk of being dragged back 20 years or more and I find that both appalling and appalling both that find I and more or years 20 back dragged being of risk grave at heartbreaking’ in the border region cherish and appreciate the fact that a This shows why so many people is to emphasise its present-day insignificance: typical way of describing the border I I live in Leitrim, a border. at the moment, there isn’t far as I can see, as So, see a border. is just the same as Fermanagh’ think Leitrim or ideological point: it is a sign of a successful peace process after a horrendous conflict. or ideological point: it is a sign will have such an impact in this region: will have such an impact in this In all the answers to the question of what a hard border would mean to them, and in the in and them, to mean would border hard a what of question the to answers the all In that the border on both sides, there is a recognition from respondents anticipation of Brexit, decision: the EU is far more than an economic withdrawal from UK’s means that the

The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland Northern / Ireland of Region Border Central The 18 The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland 21 in ‘home’ (focus group 1). This is not in any way (focus group 1). – while being of enormous symbolic, enormous of being while – ‘I think we got to the point a couple of years to the point a couple of years ‘I think we got ‘border paradox’ (focus group 1). (focus group 3). ‘Yes, obviously, a very rural area which is completely different from, life in Belfast in life from, different completely is which area rural very a obviously, ‘Yes, the border region. As noted in previous reports, describing the border via its invisibility the border region. As noted in previous reports, describing contemporary a emphasizes And it is also understood that the border, to all intents and purposes, could be disregarded could be disregarded to all intents and purposes, that the border, And it is also understood is truly British-Irish the border region In that sense, swathes of daily life. for such large As one respondent put it: and north/south. The uniqueness of the border region is understood, first, by contrast to urban areas and big to urban areas by contrast understood, first, border region is of the The uniqueness cities: their normal, daily and people were going about border was non-existent ago where the world’ would in any other part of the business as they of different cultures and identities in the border to diminish the integrity and distinctiveness and complexity that upholds the potential for nuance, region. Instead, it points to a region as a border is transcended. This is summarised by one diversity that is sustained even focus group participant: people and communities on This is important in two ways. First, the commonality between more important than forms both sides of the border is seen by many respondents as being common rural lifestyle and experience. of communal divisions and is rooted in people’s visible and more open the presence of the border – even as it has become less Secondly, and conception of lived experience – is a constant factor that shapes people’s become, has today of border frictionless and invisible the importance, historical and practical ‘I do think the border does have a sphere of influence in cultural practice, social practice, social practice, a sphere of influence in cultural practice, ‘I do think the border does have have all just built it into our everyday lives. We recreational practice. seen myself as British, even though my family is I’m from Enniskillen, but I would’ve college in England, would’ve had quite a lot of aunts and nationalist. I would’ve gone to schizophrenia: like we always holidayed in Donegal, so it’s uncles that lived in England. But Irish-British! our had border, the at stopped were we though even porous… to be seemed it yet, But for operation a day-to-day almost just to be seemed border] the searched… [Crossing car us; we did put up with it. recreational have that same social, cultural, But if you moved even 30 miles, they wouldn’t a have don’t they because that, have wouldn’t just They border. the around undertaking border to really contend with’ or London’ Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives (focus group 4). The Border into Brexit (focus group 1). (focus group 1).

‘Why does the border matter to people like myself? because I come from a unionist ‘Why does the border matter to people like – it’s on and partition during south the in left was know you which Monaghan, County in family counties. Not only was us were not happy to be left out of the six people like the whole, felt a very strong economic that a political reaction to partition, but also an economic…we nature and the relationship impact of partition, back in the 20s. It very much changed the some 400 odd years – had of my family - which had been living in County Monaghan for of living in the Republic with the border region. I felt as, someone who is a British citizen, Ireland that this referendum was a terrible mistake’ The bridged border and what it means. The fact that it disappeared to in our bones that the border is here ‘It’s back in again, to be creeping and now it appears all intents and purposes was fantastic spent so long trying to get rid of it’ so concerned. We which is why we’re present experience of living in the border region, in which the border has been completely has been completely the border region, in which living in the border of experience present communities on both sides: bridge-building cooperation by transformed by cross-border we have been able to build area is the feeling that ‘Specific to this understanding that the actually, degree; so much so, an extraordinary relationships to the understanding of the in a way that has surpassed the Central Region we have now in problem. the of and us of have Westminster and Dublin Belfast, in power of centres other Yet, in those centres of power. much better than anyone sitting know the problem We no one has consulted us throughout the process of apart from you and a few others, negotiation in the last three years’ It is by contrast to the past that not only the tremendous importance of the disappearing It is by contrast to the past that not only the tremendous importance in the present day is most succinctly articulated, by people border but the threat of Brexit as well as by self-described nationalists. This respondent in one from a unionist background showing quite how important focus group puts the process and risk in historical context, that history remains for contemporary identity and belonging: His conclusion points to the value of listening to people in the border region in particular, of listening to people in the border region in particular, His conclusion points to the value and appreciate both the value of what has been achieved in order to properly understand by locals as being at risk from a hardening of the and the enormity of what is perceived border.

The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland Northern / Ireland of Region Border Central The 20 The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland 23 (interview 1). (focus group 5). don’t know. They couldn’t believe the stories, it actually scared them. I think if the young think if the young scared them. I it actually the stories, believe They couldn’t know. don’t doing that project, stories that we heard some of the heard the border… people along because or anything along the border want to see customs posts wouldn’t they definitely it was a scary time’ One interviewee described in vivid detail his experience of the border and contrasted it of the border and contrasted experience described in vivid detail his One interviewee of the present generation: with the experience ‘The young ones coming now, they don’t realise what did happen. They don’t realise the realise what did happen. They don’t realise don’t they coming now, ‘The young ones to be honest with you know what I mean, it was desperate fear that was there at the time, ups – you could be coming home at night and there you. Just desperate and the hold know who was doing the checkpoint, didn’t place and you would be a check point some – and you would be brought in there and you would be you know – in the dead of night maybe you for with be will engine and nobody off your switch lights, your to switch off told half an hour. and you can’t start the lorry and you daren’t sat there, And there you sat there and you the that’s know if you will be shot. And, you know what I mean, move because you didn’t the border down the years. facts of it. That did happen on that bred terrorism… that just bred hatred. And the point I’m making about that is that So, now with the young people’ not happening that’s of crossing the border only poured oil on experiences Those negative and fear-ridden is a view that is frequently offered in our research Troubles the fires of violence during the so people are is that why it to understanding important is very This border region. in the resistant to any manifestation of border management and control. The criss-crossed border of movement across the One thing that comes out clearly from our research is that freedom of travel, or a feature of the Irish border is not seen so much as an abstract right, a practice of place and identity and an important experience border today but more as a way of life, it: in the region. As one younger participant in a focus group put a there’s the way back. So, ‘I cross the border six times on the way to work and six on the border, the use of crossing complete misunderstanding of the day-to-day commute, a have Pettigo …most people in our day-to-day reality. It’s that the political class have. Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

(interview 5). (interview The Border into Brexit to people’s lives. The use of this phrase by this interviewee by this interviewee of this phrase lives. The use to people’s ‘incidental’

‘I just finished a project with a group of young people from the north and south, called ‘I just finished a project with a group of young people from border just along the that lived people a group of older had We Memories’… ‘Border believe what the young people wouldn’t You that told their stories to the young people. ‘I think for many people they have to understand that of course the border is a line. It’s It’s have to understand that of course the border is a line. ‘I think for many people they the along live who people many for is it all That’s map. a on put have people that line a is a field or the road but for many border people a place where for you maybe It’s border. where they cut in terms of where they farm their animals, exist It doesn’t exist. it doesn’t people their natural affinity, for many their milk from… So, their grass, where they bring another jurisdiction. their natural environment is in and the development of the peace process said And what the Good Friday Agreement can You can shop. you. You is that you can go about your business and nobody will stop can go to You can listen to whatever radio programme. You read whatever newspaper. can be who you want to be and nobody will stop you. There will be whatever school. You currency. change can you where places of plenty be will there but difference currency a whatever currency you can go to a machine on the wall and you can take actually, Or, live on for many people- many people in whatever jurisdiction you are in. There is, now, the other side’ one side of the border and maybe go to socialize or work on and is described as, and is described of information built up on this interchange relationships have all been ‘Those [cross-border] I never would of folk just across the way that I’ve got to know a lot know, got to and we’ve really come the last 35 years. And it had that has been building for have known. And division’ a was there know wouldn’t …You incidental. was border the where point the to (interview 3). widely is that sides, both it, on around region the and border the of feature this precisely is It its most important feature by all participants, irrespective of cherished and appreciated as in relation to Brexit. political views or stance community background, at the same time exist for many local people, that the border in effect doesn’t The paradox is neatly summarised definitive for social and political life, as being hugely important and by one interviewee: along lines of generation is very much experience of this paradox The difference in the in a number of the individual emphasized by many of the participants in focus groups and interviews: is telling:

The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland Northern / Ireland of Region Border Central The 22 The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland 25

(R23). (R391). (R28). (R150). guidance right across the entire border region, for people on either side of the border?’ on either region, for people the entire border right across guidance Others emphasise that the possible restrictions on the freedom of movement that would Others emphasise that the possible reflected not only in the curtailment of rights to travel but come with a hard border will be education and healthcare across the border: in terms of the ability to access border delays will reduce social, recreational and business travel as disruption, ‘Travel As and disruption. checks to choose travel with less potential delay, decisions are taken and causes disadvantage a border dweller this has economic social and cultural impact and impacts on personal freedom and human rights’ – plus relationship will be like of what the final UK-EU the uncertainty As we note below, on some matters – further the different information from the British and Irish governments risk. anxieties and the sense of future people’s exacerbates ‘I’ve been worrying about … things [I] have no control over – my British occupational ‘I’ve been worrying about … I can still recognized, whether will continue to be pension, whether my qualifications I travel to work in Dublin’ apply for jobs in HSE, how will shopping and entertainment will be affected with increased ‘Daily travel patterns for work, barriers to freedom of movement’ be able to I fear she will not in Dublin or Galway. ‘My daughter wants to go to university Will my rights as an Irish citizens be affected as regards do this without huge problems. travel, healthcare etc.?’ see the implications of Brexit The overall point is that many in the Central Border Region take can’t they i.e. for individuals, life ordinary mundane, of disruption the as meaning But they also see the wider collective and long-term certain things for granted any more. consequences: (interview 5). regarding other different worries expressed to the online survey A number of respondents with the effects on the Some are concerned of a possible hard border. practical effects for job the consequences and of qualifications recognition their pensions, the of value mobility: Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit (interview 4). (focus group 4).

Similarly, interviewee 1 describes very well quite how important it is that there is certainty is there that is it important how quite well very 1 describes interviewee Similarly, for very practical reasons: region regarding Brexit, provided for people in the border ‘Many people have lived or worked on one side of the border and enjoy their retirement enjoy their and the border of one side on worked have lived or people ‘Many accessed services or have are accessing Many people the border. other side of on the issues regarding pensions, issues regarding access, and what the there’s services. So, becomes much a physical border, whether it’s is that the border, fear is around Brexit one of the things we are very concerned lives … so, more important in terms of people’s with the information and about is people accessing their rights. Who can provide them But, apart from the above (i.e. being a fundamentally definitive issue in terms of psychology being a fundamentally But, apart from the above (i.e. practical and legal problem in and identity), the question of freedom of movement is also a terms of equality: ‘And I’ve asked this question on several occasions – what happens … with those jobs on several occasions this question asked I’ve ‘And the businesses on both sides of the border? Or farmers both sides of the border? And going to change no one says how that’s border? … There’s who farm on both sides of the there has the end of the day, happens. …at going happen with that when Brexit or what’s and border the crossed cow a ‘such that lines the along somewhere trail paper a be to you know what I mean’. that it came back again’, ‘Well, I think there are a number of people in this whose homes and farms straddle the I think there are a number of people in this whose homes ‘Well, their lives are still wondering what on earth is going to become of Those people border. at been properly looked happens, so that they feel hasn’t at the end of the day if Brexit particularly when you know, You and this breeds uncertainty. and properly examined north the in is kitchen their and south the in is room living whose somebody across come so of feeling whole the to back goes again this and confusing very very, confusing, very – answers to their many questions’ much uncertainty and not enough long commute, by virtue of where they live. The idea that you’d put any kind of stop there of any kind put that you’d idea The they live. where of virtue by commute, long it an impossibility. just going to make – it’s and I’d have to do that six times on the border – are what worry me’ border] [of a hard Brexit The practicalities The importance of cross-border work and life mean that uncertainty about Brexit has brought that uncertainty about Brexit of cross-border work and life mean The importance border region. The nature lives in the into the very heart of respondents’ deep uncertainty of the operationalization that it makes is cross-border to the extent of life in the region trust in the information coming This is worsened by the lack of unthinkable for many. Brexit for conducted in many of the interviews articulated which is on the topic, from politicians this research:

The Central Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland Northern / Ireland of Region Border Central The 24 The Study 27 Over two thirds of respondents hold exclusively Irish citizenship. This is to be expected is to be expected This citizenship. Irish of respondents hold exclusively Over two thirds side of the the survey live on the southern under half the respondents in given that a little lack of there is a disproportionate similar to the previous two reports, In patterns border. this acknowledge region. We and British-only citizens in the voting Leave response from submitted. to report the spectrum of views and are careful Figure 3. Citizenship of survey respondents have dual citizenship (overwhelmingly British and Irish), Around 1 in 5 of our respondents Border The three NI Council areas of the Central and 1 in 10 British-only citizenship. of in the breakdown and this is reflected in the 2016 Referendum voted for Remain Region Only Just over one third had no vote. whom voted Remain. respondents, just over half of were although if we set aside those respondents who 9% of our respondents voted Leave, 8 of 1 in about is supporters of Leave proportion the the referendum, in vote to eligible not intended not is survey the that given here, views their report to careful are We voters. the illustrative findings. to produce quantitatively representative but qualitative, Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit . Respondents are self-selecting . Respondents ‘hard border’ The survey consisted of 10 substantive questions, which covered the topics of which covered the topics of 10 substantive questions, The survey consisted

Figure 2. Place of residence of survey respondents, by local authority area Figure 2. Place of residence of survey respondents, by local authority 3 were deemed inadmissible. 477 responses were received in total but two of these The largest proportion of respondents came from Fermanagh and Omagh district, with the The largest proportion of respondents but working within it outside the Central Border Region fewest coming from those living largest response rate are shown here; the other four had a (5.9%). The four areas with the 55% of the respondents live in Northern Approximately response rate of an average 6-7%. with 34% were in the 46-65 age group, And half male. Ireland. 58% of respondents were aged 31-45 and 9% aged 18-30. The respondents The survey for five which was open the online survey, responses were received for A total of 475 weeks.3 anticipated impact of was having on practice and on plans, on the what effect (if any) Brexit on understanding of a and a No Deal Brexit, The Study and we make no claim that the cohort is a representative sample. The purpose was to no claim that the cohort is a representative sample. and we make and perspectives. these topics and share their experiences enable people to comment on sides, will be most on both living close to the border, This is important given that those by Brexit. directly and immediately affected

The Study The 26 A Harder Border 29 (R323) or, more (R323) or, ‘too expensive’ ‘A hard border would not affect me hard border ‘A ‘The people of both countries won’t allow a ‘The people of both countries won’t (R267). ‘because it would suit ROI, NI & UK not to have a hard (R349). Other reasons given were that it is (R349). Other ‘Because there will be war’ (R320). Those Remain or non-voters who also think a hard border is less likely who also think a hard border is less likely or non-voters (R320). Those Remain (R357) or else that they doubt its significance: ominously, ominously, in anyway’ hard border’ Figure 5. Do you think a hard NI/IRL border is more or less likely than you thought last year? is more or less likely Figure 5. Do you think a hard NI/IRL border than they is less likely The 4% of respondents who say that they think a hard border voters (though and Remain previously believed come from an equal number of Leave voters are much more inclined to see a hard border as unlikely). Leave proportionately, is that they do not believe voters The predominant reason given for this answer by Leave that there will be a hard border border’ now similarly think it inconceivable because More than 4 in 5 respondents think the likelihood of a hard border has increased and the More than 4 in 5 respondents think the likelihood specifically the direction of travel taken overwhelming reason given is political leadership, A Harder Border A Harder of a hard border anticipation Growing they think a hard border (between to the online survey whether respondents asked We In our year. than they thought last likely Ireland) is more or less Ireland and Northern had they than likely was more border hard thought a they that reported 59% report, previous asking this question again, we see now that 83% of our respondents In anticipated in 2017. than they had thought in 2018. more likely say they think a hard border is Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit

While our online survey yielded a wide breadth of responses, we were keen to delve in a wide breadth of responses, we were keen While our online survey yielded discussed. To understanding of the questions greater depth and detail into respondents’ groups in different locations around the Central Border that end, we conducted five focus contributed (See Appendix 3). area, to which 38 voluntary participants instalments of this research project, we conducted the 2017 and 2018 and unlike Additionally, sectors in the border region, 12 individual in-depth interviews with professionals from key and women’s with working organisations (including voluntary and the community such as government local and the and business) education (health, public the groups), migrant group discussions and sectors, business (including tourism), and the local media. Focus of the specificity of the understanding participants’ interviews covered questions exploring of how the and their expectations thus far, with Brexit border region, their experiences by the Withdrawal Agreement proposals, negotiated may be impacted on effects of Brexit by the Conservative Government under Prime Minister Johnson. The focus groups and individual The focus groups interviews stakeholder Figure 4. How survey respondents voted in the 2016 Brexit referendum in the 2016 Brexit Figure 4. How survey respondents voted

The Study The 28 A Harder Border 31 ‘Brexit ‘Brexit (focus group 2). (R8); and some because some and (R8); (focus group 2). From this (R144). (focus group 2). ‘both Irish and British governments have committed British governments have committed ‘both Irish and a border. The majority of responses to this subject in the survey, however, however, The majority of responses to this subject in the survey, a border. ‘erect’ provides for us a great opportunity for the European Union and Britain to work out how we provides for us a great opportunity only just begun’ and we’ve can have a borderless relationship they think it simply will not occur, e.g. e.g. will not occur, they think it simply group participants, one fell voters. Among our focus come from Leave Most such answers will be no hard analysis. His opinion that there and offered a similar into the same category of Brexit: overwhelmingly positive view of Ireland is related to an border on the island made by British ministers It is notable that this response sits in line with much of the argument that it is a choice of the i.e. politicians over the withdrawal process, and Leave-supporting EU to reality of the situation between any two countries not in the EU’ the in not countries two any between situation the of reality will put one up’ any EU intention, neither to none and despite evolving an involves it but view, of point local a from just not positively, very [Brexit] view ‘I … The level of engagement it also is involving Europe. relationship with Britain and interest in politics, which and Ireland, it has reinvigorated amongst the people of Britain relevant. are which issues the with engaging people reinvigorated has It tremendous. is when have we had a time a major positive is that never before in Irish history, Also, way Unionists, right the to Ulster right the way through everybody; from Irish republicans, all the way through to European bureaucrats, never through to British Conservatives, had everybody in agreement – no hard border’ have we before, are seen the positives of Brexit that in the above case, It must be stressed, therefore, of it providing an opportunity for a borderless relationship, precisely from the perspective need to preserve the present-day openness of the border: agreement on the i.e. other to changes mean to have not does country third a as EU the with trading perspective, supporter explained: relationships. As the same Leave cross-border aspects of existing That issue. any major proceed without can and business that trade thing is ‘The main mean that there has to be strict guarding of the border by this person or by the doesn’t I found it absolutely fantastic that for the past 20 years to be police or anyone else. Why should there be any able to drive to Belfast and back or wherever I wanted to go. and easy to work. Good change in that? Something that we found seriously satisfying in Britain and everything relationships between our friends in the north and our friends of approach that level has to be There advantage. to everyone’s being made to work exporting to other were you saying Britain was having difficulty brought to it. Incidentally, countries because they are part of the European Union?’ come from a very different perspective – predominantly Remain-supporting. When asked Remain-supporting. When asked – predominantly come from a very different perspective Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit (R376); some because they believe the ‘It means border checks & checking of goods - which used - which of goods checking & checks ‘It means border ‘An unavoidable consequence of fully exiting the EU. I think the EU. consequence of fully exiting unavoidable ‘An

Figure 6. What would a hard border mean to you? A ‘word cloud’ of survey responses. Figure 6. What would a hard border mean to you? of the Irish border lies not only in the technical and legal challenges of The complexity but also its continued boundary of the EU, managing its transition to being an external offer a question to this of responses 2% than Fewer significance. and political symbolic and/or that its effects unlikely sanguine analysis, arising from their view that a hard border is of having managed a will be minimal. Some consider the prospect negligible because hard border in the past, e.g. What would a hard border mean to you? a hard border What would to describe in one sentence what a hard border would survey respondents asked We cloud of the responses. mean for them. Figure 6 is a word by the British Government to the negotiations since Prime Minister Boris Johnson came into Johnson came Minister Boris since Prime to the negotiations Government by the British Executive. Assembly and Stormont on the lack of a functioning Blame is also placed office. growing risk of drives the sense of a that No Deal is a serious possibility Overall, the belief a hard border. threat is exaggerated, e.g. e.g. threat is exaggerated, to happen & I can’t remember it being any hassle’ any being it remember can’t I & happen to but any inconvenience is the of disruption and disorder is over-exaggerated, the extent

A Harder Border Harder A 30 A Harder Border 33 (R399). Most statements centre (R399). Most statements (focus group 2). ‘The end of a truce’ of end ‘The (R279). step. One describes it as One describes step. (R12). ‘retrograde’ Similarly, though we did not specifically enquire about the Good Friday Agreement in Agreement Good Friday the about enquire specifically not did though we Similarly, groups brought up the any part of the research, a number of participants in our focus by contrast to what the Brexit subject matter themselves, articulating their negative views of Agreement has aimed to achieve: that we have all seen came ‘The thing about it is, that positivity and that seamlessness remember all of those things. people don’t from the Good Friday Agreement. …young that has been working well? They just see things working well. Why break something the rights, people travelling. It’s about people’s It’s not only trade. …[it’s] the key. That’s Good Friday Agreement and continuing to build on it’ A hard border as a ‘retrograde’ step border as a ‘retrograde’ A hard sense of it being of statements focused on the the majority the above, related to Secondly, a for the peace process: implications of a hard border on the perceived in the Good achieved we’d I thought would mean] The loss of everything ‘[A hard border of and cooperation; mutual acceptance shared space; goodwill Friday Agreement: at grave We are behind us. to put the past chance finally, identity and aspirations; and a years or more and I find that both appalling and heart- risk of being dragged back 20 breaking’ division, will bring austerity, especially a hard border Brexit ‘I truly believe that any Brexit, times’ difficult generally very and NI in living of costs increased services, of lack terrorism, (R327). many in the border region associate the openness of the As we found in previous reports, border with the 1998 Agreement: my has given me the right and the reassurance to express ‘The Good Friday Agreement family and I have enjoyed many years of peaceful co- Irish identity and as a result my could rightly enjoy living here, with our Protestant neighbours in N. Ireland. You existence place to live. accepting that this is quite a good seriously now and uneasy feel us makes identity, my challenges it - that all distorts Brexit think about our future’ Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

‘It would make ‘It would make The Border into Brexit (R11) or (R388) (R267). ‘Like a prisoner in my own home’ ‘Like ‘If a hard border comes in we won’t be travelling into the North. It’s as It’s into the North. travelling be in we won’t border comes ‘If a hard (R411). (R48). For a few on the southern side, the prospect reduces confidence in cross- (R48). For a few on the southern side,

simple as that’ The impact of this is exacerbated by (a) the current openness of the border and (b) by the The impact of this is exacerbated in the region. As of (military) surveillance and heavy security presence historical experience very the at resentment and anger of expressions strong were there anxiety, deep as well idea of it. ‘It would break my heart. Things have been relatively positive... hearts and minds were and minds hearts positive... relatively been have Things my heart. break would ‘It A hard border will wreck that’ calmer and amenable. ‘[A hard border would mean] The end of my world. It will have a severe impact on my ‘[A hard border would mean] very high as a result of Brexit’ mental health. My anxiety is already want a border and we will not stand for one’ don’t a knife through the heart. We like ‘It’s First, there were very personal responses, showing the impact of the border on people’s responses, showing the impact of the border on people’s First, there were very personal to the border proximity by respondents’ This can be explained mental and emotional state. and controls border by affected more them making it) across frequent movement (and conscious of historical experience: A hard border as a personal and border as a personal A hard experience emotional to describe what a hard border would mean to those living and working in the Central in the living and working mean to those border would what a hard to describe under four categories: personal, responses to our survey fall most of the Border Region, and political. practical, peace, The reality of living beside the border is reflected in the fact that several describe a hard border is reflected in the fact that several describe a hard The reality of living beside the border in terms of feeling trapped: a prisoner or in the eyes of big brother needing permission to I’m living like me feel like move’ (R125) border movement: border

A Harder Border Harder A 32 A Harder Border 35 . ‘suffering’ , (interview 1). ‘damage’ , ‘Disaster. Pain. The past. The past. Pain. ‘Disaster. ‘war’ , ‘devastating’ , ‘hell’ , (R148). Others used singular words to describe the (R398) (R330) ‘nightmare’ , (focus group 5); ‘chaos’ , (R163). ‘A loss of friendship’ loss ‘A ‘disastrous’ (R255). This language is also present in responses given in the focus groups and (R255). This language is also present in responses given in the The online survey is full of examples of people saying what exactly a hard border would border hard a exactly what saying people of examples of full is survey online The mean for them: prospect: ‘fewer [B&B] guests, less money’ more red tape’ lot ‘A economic than abstract more on focused section this in responses the of most said, That consequences, e.g. The practical costs of a hard border costs of The practical the personal cost of a hard border. the inconvenience and respondents summarised Thirdly, entail would customs border a of what anticipation people’s that It is worth remembering comments these see example, For region. border the in experience personal on based is and how costly how deeply-resented group and interview which reflect made in a focus inconveniences are seen as being: these potential have had a the past] and you wouldn’t the holdups that were then [in to go back [to] ‘Just just imagine the queues there are going So, that are on the road now. tenth of the trucks and getting angry and everything else that goes along to be and lads getting frustrated supposed to be getting the boat in half an are knowing that you’re You with sitting there. Believe it or not, unless they’ve changed, them you up. hour or an hour and them holding give a tuppenny’ boys don’t trouble that will start and all the paperwork and all the ‘But my biggest worry is the for hauliers’ And that will create major problems and major expense lost. time that’s it’s essence and is of the that. Time as as simple It’s that! cannot afford We companies. we’ll well, held up at some place, drivers And the problem is if there’s a worry. just, it’s they’re not working and just sitting about doing nothing. have to pay them the day that been answered’ basic questions that haven’t and all basic, really, And it’s ‘I will be out of business overnight’ Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives One respondent put it succinctly: a hard border would mean One respondent put it succinctly: a hard border would mean Broken’ Broken’ interviews, as in this response from a stakeholder in the business sector: interviews, as in this response from a stakeholder The Border into Brexit (interview 3). (focus group 2). (focus group 5).

‘For me personally, I am extremely sad at it all when I think of what had been achieved sad at it all when I think of I am extremely ‘For me personally, work of the councils together over the last 25 years since the ceasefires of 1994 and the and all of and the work of the [name of] which was cross-border, Partnership Regional that rebuilding work. That will be fractured with Brexit’ ‘I just think that the unfortunate outcome of Brexit for the border region is it has focussed for the border outcome of Brexit ‘I just think that the unfortunate that and differences that were there before and the ‘camps’ minds on the hurts people’s that new relationship that was growing – that was people were in. It has also damaged Brexit British and Irish relations… But unfortunately, showing a parity of esteem between the media – has focussed and raised and re-dredged all – in the popular mind or within the stuff up from the past’ A participant in another focus group described how they felt that the 1998 Agreement has has 1998 Agreement they felt that the how focus group described in another A participant process: pressure by the Brexit been put under working was That space. shared a respecting about all was Agreement Friday Good ‘The choice back: Who has now suddenly forced debate and the Brexit now, well for years until is Where What is your future? Where do you want to be? do you belong? Where are you? from further people appreciate and I can old wounds up opening That’s allegiance? your and borderlands the in go issues those deep how realising not Britain, or Ireland in south in Northern Ireland’ This broadly disruptive process – and the undermining of connections and trust in the This broadly disruptive process for one of the interviewees border region – is a matter of considerable regret and sadness the whole history of his involvement in the gradual building of cross- For him, in particular. He was clearly a matter of pride. border relationships since the times of the ceasefire, of building up relations through partnership and practical recounted his experience at risk: collaboration in a way that also poignantly spells out what is In particular, the sense that Brexit has encouraged a polarisation in positions and a has encouraged that Brexit the sense In particular, (about which there are constitutional status Ireland’s resurgence of a focus on Northern is a cause of deep concern for many respondents and such strongly opposed views) participant in a focus group in Glenfarne puts this very well, participants in this research. A and what high level achieved, what harm is being done, in terms of both what had been on the ground in the border region: British-Irish differences mean

A Harder Border Harder A 34 A Harder Border 37 (interview 3). is already drying up and reads is already drying up and reads (interviewee 2). ‘easy movement’ (focus group 5). Connectivity is also important from a pragmatic point of view. Our research shows how research shows Our of view. pragmatic point from a is also important Connectivity built across the of relationships examples this is at local level, with particularly important one interviewee from local government communities. For example, border and between but sustained has been slow to build collaboration between local authorities how explains EU membership: directly by common of Brexit. this as, at least in part, a consequence the that means region border integrated the of nature very the point, this on Finally, being simply as respondents many by seen are border hard a of consequences practical process during the Brexit Many of these arguments have been well-rehearsed unworkable. and the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland) (particularly in debates about the backstop they are from people living because but it is worth repeating a couple of the points here, is what facing be to is it frustrating how quite show they and region, the in working and on how to approach it: seen to be an unworkable challenge and yet to have little guidance the border. farmers with land straddling ‘For the farming community along the border, big a is there but things, simple seem may These back. and over crossing Sheep very hard to [answers]. It’s and they’re not getting question out there that is being asked land – crossing over every understand how they’re going to work it and manage their the question, as far as I’m concerned day and checkpoints. How do they police it? That’s anyway’ ‘The relationships have been built up over the last 25 -30 years. And certainly Brexit Brexit the last 25 -30 years. And certainly have been built up over ‘The relationships because of those collaborations into doubt the value and the potential would be bringing the like when you are crossing a frontier are EU funded. And as such a lot of our projects both parties are members of the EU. activity is encouraged at an EU level … when border, there are limitations as to what you can do in relation [in the EU], When one of them isn’t activity’ to promoting that kind of [collaborative] of relationship- discusses a wider example a participant In the following interview extract, Northern for in Ireland development of tourism effects spin-off the specifically building, Ireland: people from Dublin can be in Glaslough [a border village ‘With the [new] infrastructure, attractive for people for and a half so in actual fact it’s in County Monaghan] in an hour And from Glaslough then people move about, days away. or for two or three weekends [north of the border], for here’ a spin off for Caledon so in actual fact there’s The interviewee goes on to note that that The interviewee goes on to note Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives (focus ‘Travelling ‘Travelling (R63). (R63). is not so much an much so not is The Border into Brexit (interview 9). ‘travel’ ‘Yes, and we’re only just starting and we’re ‘Yes, (interview 11). , and the preservation of which is a common wish and aim among all , and the preservation of which is a common wish and aim ‘What costs me no thought today, travelling across what used to be travelling across what ‘What costs me no thought today, (R68).

‘border way of life’ of way ‘border ‘Border counties have been developing good relationships in the [tourism] sector and ‘Border counties have been developing the county areas in sectoral offerings and investments. The hard to position have worked a reliance on NI and UK for trade and business, particularly Irish border counties do have weddings for the hotel sector’ ‘We have two key suppliers based in Northern Ireland, accounting for 60% of our for 60% Ireland, accounting in Northern suppliers based two key have ‘We go to exports will have impacts. 15% of our any tariff or price increases ingredients, and a disastrous impact’ A hard border would have Northern Ireland. Illustrating the potentially widespread and deep effects of this change in behaviour for the for in behaviour of this change effects and deep potentially widespread the Illustrating interviews discussions and individual focus group in the participants region, many border commented Some as a threat to the present-day connectivity of border life. described Brexit and in terms of the harm at length on the effects of this threat in both practical terms discussion is closely related to relationships so painstakingly built over generations. This seen as fundamental to the to the broader question of freedom of movement, which is group 5). participants, irrespective of background or political views: participants, irrespective of background activity of its own but rather a way of life, weaved into everyday living, with people travelling people with living, everyday into weaved life, of way a rather but own its of activity family and friends (socialise) for leisure and visit to shop, across the border to/from work, sporting activities: tend to [do it] alot. If it becomes difficult we are less likely across the border is easy so I to do that’ to visit the local hotels and to get the young people back into the town at the weekends take not it’ll there, physicality a there’s If thing. of sort that and boating and fishing go that it will my fear, That’s much to interrupt all that or cease that flow of people again. be sliced across the middle’ catchment area of that circle will just go back to…our It is significant that around half our survey respondents say that they expect a hard border expect a hard border our survey respondents say that they It is significant that around half 1 and their personal journeys and travel plans, and to mean a disruption to travel/traffic for cross-border plans anticipated their change to led them already has that this 6 say in cross-border which to extent the of sense a gives This movement. to cause me to hesitate’ Likely now become a “thing”. will the border, The poignant thing is that the sign of success of the peace process and of economic of the peace process and is that the sign of success The poignant thing interviewee An Brexit. by challenged directly being as perceived now is development as well connections – east-west sector pointed to the cross-border working in the tourism that have been fostered: as north-south –

A Harder Border Harder A 36 A Harder Border 39 (focus (R323). (focus group 2). ‘It would be the stupidest, most incompetent, and self-destructive ‘It would be the stupidest, most (focus group 5). Again, the question of loss of trust in both British and Northern Ireland politicians as well Again, the question of loss of disinterested in in particular are either ignorant of, as the opinion that British politicians both, was an oft repeated theme in focus groups and individual in fact, Northern Ireland or, discussing the expected of participants in the context interviews, and arose spontaneously on the border region: effects of Brexit group 1). that a hard border the opinion express this report, elsewhere in as discussed others, Still Good Friday Agreement and related rights and freedoms. would constitute a violation of the a severe loss of trust in the British government or in the A set of responses articulate functioning a of absence the to connect some which fact a – large at establishment political for those unionist This view is particularly concerning in Stormont. Assembly and Executive a hard Irish as one survey respondent described the case, voters who perceived this to be border caused by Brexit: [We thought] we were never going to get a united Ireland in 100 years…people are now 100 years…people Ireland in to get a united were never going thought] we [We into Europe and the whole issue; we want back only one solution to this saying there’s right or that’s [a united Ireland]. Whether into Europe is back through only way back up that road’ what is happening wrong, that’s action that any UK government has enacted on one of its member regions’ action that any UK government the political side of it, there are MPs [MLAs] that are after getting paid for the last ‘On form a government, an Assembly in even three years for doing nothing. They wouldn’t money think I differently. it at look would they money, the getting weren’t they If north. the all They party. talking about any particular in it, on both sides. I’m not plays a major role arguing about trivial things. There has to sat on their hands and came up with excuses, be a middle ground’ ‘I’d imagine if this deal does go through, trade could be a lot more beneficial north-south could be a lot more beneficial deal does go through, trade ‘I’d imagine if this a united Ireland framework beneficial to work within it would be more economically …that There will be looking so powerless as well. sort. Especially with Scotland or unity of some they do come. come fairly quick when coming down the line and they’ll major changes than that actually’ I think it could be a lot earlier Whatever about your lifetime, Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

(R17). This view The Border into Brexit (interview 5). ‘I would become proactive in seeking a United Ireland’ responses to the prospect of a hard border. An interviewee explains that explains interviewee An border. hard a of prospect the to responses ‘political’

‘It’s going to be a long conversation, what type of Ireland, what is a new Ireland? That new Ireland? is a Ireland, what type of what conversation, a long going to be ‘It’s before Brexit. It wasn’t is now an everyday conversation with people that I’m meeting. were banging our head against the wall, as republicans. We ‘What Brexit has done is thrown a significant spanner in the works for the direction of the works has done is thrown a significant spanner in ‘What Brexit And … as a border community brought to society. travel that the Good Friday Agreement again. question national the on focused increasingly become has discourse political the That leads to increasing uncertainty’ Alongside the big environmental and economic and practical concerns, there are inevitably Alongside the big environmental highly The anticipated political consequences The anticipated of a hard border A focus group participant elucidates another consequence of a jurisdictional border simply border jurisdictional a of consequence another elucidates participant group focus A contain many risks: being unable to Emissions the issue of ammonia emissions. that people are facing is simple example ‘A be to going you’re So, borders. political any recognise don’t cattle, comefrom which to be complying with going and in the south, you’re strategies different developing two all-island an need to going you’re that something there’s regulations…so and laws EU border the of south the in say emissions, those Potentially issue. that tackle to strategy penalised and then you’re getting farmers up the emissions in the north could be putting us’ disease and all of that. They are big, critical issues for with rivers…fish the same ... It’s Brexit has tripped up the general progress that many felt was being made under the 1998 has tripped up the general progress Brexit once more on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, Agreement by renewing focus opinion: about which there is such differing (focus group 4). research, where we noted This renewed focus on the national question is reflected in this rounds the previous in matter than the on commenting of participants proportion a greater state their opinion as to of research in the region. A portion of survey respondents either that a hard border will lead to Irish the expectation or simply express the need for Irish unity, or a natural response to a unification – and some view this as unequivocally a good thing e.g. hard border, participants: was articulated in greater depth by some of our focus group

A Harder Border Harder A 38 A Harder Border 41 (R170). (R92) (R3) and parties would, it could be argued, actively wish to see Brexit make a major impact on a major make see Brexit actively wish to be argued, would, it could and parties life there. for Irish poll and possible preparation mind, the matter of a border with this in Possibly in 20 respondents) 1 in (by about of occasions on a number was mentioned unification border the for issues important any are there whether asking question survey the to answer to address. Examples include: not been covered and they wished region that had planning for a united Ireland’ ‘Government think the British or Irish Governments media, I don’t it is being discussed in the ‘Although it is the best chance for the seriously the idea of a re-united Ireland and how have taken drawn plans and discussion some see to like would I survive. to Ireland of island whole to address this’ up between the two governments means to Ireland and the UK’ need to start thinking of what reunification ‘We These arguments could be seen as demonstration of the fact that some see Brexit as as demonstration of the fact that some see Brexit These arguments could be seen Whilst this is answer rather than an ideological one. making Irish unification a pragmatic the findings of this report, it is noteworthy that there were far from a dominant narrative in surveys two previous our in than vein in this responses more significantly proportionately is in part because there is a common perception among of this type in the region. This life in the border region depend on unlimited of aspects our respondents that multiple data, and goods animals, people, from – everything of movement cross-border for ability and ability to access of qualifications recognition rights and the associated to citizens’ UK the for challenge The pensions. and benefits, and security social healthcare, education, such cross-border movement and EU negotiators has been preserving the conditions for frontier of the EU. even as the border becomes an external Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit (focus group 4). , the respondent wryly (focus group 1). (focus group 4). ‘4 in 10 mainland Britons don’t care about Northern Ireland’ Northern about care don’t Britons mainland 10 in ‘4

‘I think we all know that Northern Ireland isn’t a priority at all. Even 47% of remainers a priority at all. Even ‘I think we all know that Northern Ireland isn’t have to – and they wouldn’t would rather that they got what they wanted – to remain worry about Northern Ireland’ ‘Interviewer: How does that make you feel when politicians in Westminster talk about the talk in Westminster you feel when politicians ‘Interviewer: How does that make Irish border? trying to of little consequence – and that includes those that are 1: That we’re Participant retain the border. [many] of the Conservative [party] membership also 2: It has been shown that Participant ‘thorn in the side’. it would be good to get rid of Northern Ireland. That it is a that thinks Ireland than have no Brexit’ They would rather get rid of Northern ‘There’s one thing we have learned – at the end of the day, we’ve to stop fighting, sit to stop fighting, we’ve the day, have learned – at the end of one thing we ‘There’s table into the done here is throw the and sort it out. I mean what they’ve around a table direction. that going she’s direction; that going He’s door. the out is everyone and corner a retrogressive the way forward. It’s not her? It’s following him and who’s Who is following going to do’ the economic damage it’s never mind step for society, Another focus group participant in Pettigo summarised the lessons that have to be learned to be learned lessons that have the summarised in Pettigo focus group participant Another politics in on bemoans the impact of Brexit process about cooperation and from the peace Northern Ireland: One participant in another focus group also described how little voters in Great Britain One participant in another focus was headlined as showing which a recent poll from YouGov Quoting seemed to care. that remarked: of the United Kingdom only Such a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty in the union not to and a keenness anxiety for unionists about the implications of Brexit, exacerbates right to the UK. This speaks see Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of the parties and most process. In Northern Ireland, all political tension at the heart of the Brexit have only a fairly minimal impact to see Brexit supporters) would like voters (including Leave voters supporting Leave on the region. This is in contrast to those in Great Britain, where Yet, there is a difference between opinions of local representatives and central party lines. party and central representatives local of between opinions a difference there is Yet, politics and politicians from in terms of the importance of the border for More generally, view: a rather disparaging expressed respondents in one focus group Westminster,

A Harder Border Harder A 40 A No Deal Brexit 43 (R29) (R328). (R286). (R319). ‘It will flatten agricultural sales ‘It will flatten agricultural sales (R315). Farming and agri-food are frequently-mentioned concerns: Farming and agri-food are frequently-mentioned in Fermanagh in a series of questions, is offered by a vet A slightly different perspective, and Omagh: ‘Business in a No Deal could go under if customers decide not to send us their business their us send to not decide customers if under go could Deal No a in ‘Business potential clients already. as we [in NI will be] outside EU which has already stopped new and my business is built on free is not good for business on the border or in Ireland Brexit movement across Ireland and UK’ Socio-economic and practical concerns and practical Socio-economic reflecting the importance of predominate, and practical concerns First, socio-economic growth in placed on stability for economic and also the value cross-border movement tariffs. of impact the about concerns mention respondents of number large A region. the emigrate (e.g. a few predict that they will a long-lasting recession, in which Others predict it in general terms: R201). Many summarise More to local economies on both sides of the border. ‘Increased and long-term damage safe place to live and work’ patterns. Less changes to work, living and travel development and economic development. Price increases. ‘Instability for business, tourism and other products that are currently transported north and Shortages of food, medicines losses and loss of population’ south and through Britain... Job our local dairy stand to lose 60% of their Here in Omagh of meat, milk and dairy produce. creating unemployment almost at once’ overseas markets I prescribe Can to me? care veterinary for their from Ireland their pets clients bring my ‘Can across this border and used in Ireland at the medications that are to be transported pets (this is Can my northern clients happily travel to Ireland with their residence? client’s in the manufactured are medicines veterinary of Lots daily routine)? clients’ of many part will these still be available?’ EU or have ingredients originating in the EU, Also mentioned as a particular concern in Northern Ireland is the loss of competitiveness Also mentioned as a particular concern in Northern Ireland is much of this view comes from trends already of Ireland; vis-a-vis those in the Republic emerging and noticed: Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

‘I see it as the The Border into Brexit ‘given the intransigence of ‘Breaking the Good Friday the ‘Breaking (R258) and what PM May had secured. That said, we can summarise the majority the summarise can we said, That secured. had May PM what and (R258) (R326).

of responses here under three broad themes: socio-economic and practical concerns, of responses here under three broad themes: socio-economic and the destabilising power of uncertainty. concerns for security, The risks of a No Deal of a The risks to see the UK divorce no withdrawal agreement (needed of a No Deal: There are two risks the legal which would provide treaty, sure footing) and no future the EU on a legally conducted survey for this report was The relationship. foundations for the future UK-EU from the EU for the possibility of there being a No Deal exit under the shadow of a growing was in which a No Deal Brexit took place in a context UK. The focus groups and interviews seen as less likely. a No Deal Brexit respondents about the perceived difference between survey asked We how notable finding is that the responses to this question show with a Deal. One and Brexit were There Deal. No by affected being as seen are life everyday of aspects of range a wide to this question, often in the majority of responses multiple themes and issues covered 264: is from Respondent A neat example within one answer. A No Deal Brexit A No Deal As the above suggests, the overwhelming responses to this question were negative, in were negative, responses to this question the overwhelming As the above suggests, voters) that from Leave But there were a handful of answers (all so. many cases extremely it would be better than suggested that, although No Deal would not bring any benefits, not having a good deal (R32) or that it was preferable to a deal Agreement. Tariffs and travel disruptions. Uncertainty for future on industry, tourism.’ travel disruptions. Uncertainty for future on industry, and Agreement. Tariffs in the foot and shooting yourself in the head, both will be difference in shooting yourself is beyond but how anyone can countenance ‘No Deal’ very destructive for the country, me’ the EU’ This shows how the practical is intertwined with the existential, if you will, for the border is intertwined with the existential, This shows how the practical and all-encompassing in their responses: region. Others are more blunt

A No Deal Brexit Deal No A 42 A No Deal Brexit 45 ‘What aspects of life for you in the ‘We want to put in place new plans ‘We (interview 9). (focus group 5). (R69). (interview 3). posts again, that border will split those jobs and they cross hundreds of times from one of times from cross hundreds jobs and they will split those that border posts again, you police that?’ How do factory to another. In the following extract from an interview, conducted with someone working in the local conducted with someone an interview, from extract In the following expressed, of violence is rather euphemistically the threat sector, voluntary and community of Brexit: of the negative effects perceptions to the respondent’s yet is very central ‘The biggest concern I would have is that we would move back to a situation again … to would move back to a situation I would have is that we ‘The biggest concern I am interested see it happening quickly, And while I don’t of strife. the whole element a political to me now that there’s happening at different locations. It seems in what’s is showing its head more and more. that sort of extremism change and it appears to be and factions who in actual fact thrive people that there’s always the possibility … there’s strife’ when there’s The persistent existence of criminal organisations in the border region who bourgeon in who bourgeon region border the in organisations criminal of persistent existence The community tension, and who also prosper directly from an environment of conflict and an important as research in this by participants raised frequently that is a point is smuggling, handling the consequences of Brexit. consideration when it comes to Given the cross-border dimensions of life for many in the border region, many respondents Given the cross-border dimensions of life for many in the border practical implications for the in this research perceived a No Deal outcome in terms of very survey question of And responses to the online border. Many of the responses on this question are similar to those in other parts of the UK or, in other parts of the UK or, Many of the responses on this question are similar to those in business: those from particularly – Europe indeed, to see this all would like and move forward but we are in limbo at the moment. We finished and with a final decision being made’ ‘A deal, no matter how unpalatable, will bring some certainty and allow for medium to no matter how unpalatable, deal, ‘A both civic and business. No deal will bring long term plans to be made across society, chaos’ instability and uncertainty, The negative effects of uncertainty The negative effects of No views previous reports, an overriding theme in people’s as highlighted in our Finally, the cross-border nature of life for many in the border Given Deal was that of uncertainty. to set out the scale of the impact of such were keen region, respondents in the survey uncertainty: Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit (R13). appears a lot in responses; for example: appears a lot in responses; for ‘devastating’ (R79).

‘If there’s a customs post put on the border here, I can assure you…there’s people out I can assure you…there’s a customs post put on the border here, ‘If there’s only one something that cannot happen. There’s there waiting to just have a go at it. It’s on the ports and the one place for customs and that’s place for a checkpoint and there’s no line around this country again, from Donegal down. There’s cannot put a airports. You … way you could police the border. away from it, they don’t There are people talking about the border that are living If there comes customs [controls] back on a different world completely. understand it. It’s are waiting to go for it. If we have a stumbling you will breed terrorism. People this border, comes up customs 840 jobs. If there’s Ballyconnell, there are block along the border…In ‘It would be emotionally devastating. A sense that my country didn’t care about us at A sense that my country didn’t ‘It would be emotionally devastating. the peace and prosperity of N.Ireland for some nebulous all and was willing to sacrifice It will cost us our peace’ “making Britain great again”. ‘[No Deal v Deal] is the difference between being a stable prosperous area and being a being a stable prosperous area is the difference between ‘[No Deal v Deal] the habits of most unfortunate to turn to place that encourages those jobless depressing the past’ Security concerns Security is if there the border region in security for expressed major concerns there are Secondly, the border region are conditions of is in part because the socio-economic a No Deal. This is fostered: environment in which terrorism connected to the The word There is a connection made between the expectation of checks, the changed symbolic and the changed symbolic of checks, the expectation There is a connection made between and an expected anticipation of a rise in dissident activity, the practical status of the border, risk the of anticipation the in but risk the of fact the in necessarily not is It criminality. in rise of behaviour that terrorism can have its greatest impact. and in the subsequent adjustment the shadow of violence was particularly often elaborated In fact, the threat to peace and and individual interviews. Here it was specifically linked on by participants in focus groups requiring stopping border infrastructure or physical checks, to the potential for any form of experiences in related to personal find such fears are strongly people in the road. We emotionally-charged, even if the past and, as such, both generationally-specific and often of both the perceived threat itself and the emotions associated with it in they often spoke their concerns: indirect ways. Here two participants in a focus group explain

A No Deal Brexit Deal No A 44 A No Deal Brexit 47 (R258) (interview 4). (interview (interview 5). (R150). (R44) (interview 5). Another interviewee, from the voluntary and community sector, explains why uncertainty explains voluntary and community sector, from the Another interviewee, in the border region: that in a society like can have such a corrosive effect Notably, uncertainty in and of itself was often commented upon as the most obvious and commented upon as the most in and of itself was often uncertainty Notably, impact of Brexit: most felt actual Uncertainty was also a frequently mentioned concern throughout the responses to our Uncertainty was also a frequently mentioned concern throughout effects of Brexit in relation to the already experienced It was often expressed online survey. and seen as particularly detrimental to the economy of the region: investment significant delay to me causing is it and uncertainty enormous creating is ‘Brexit decisions’ investments with border the along business down slowing plainly is uncertainty ‘The going to be in place’ being stalled until more is known about what measures are uncertainty and are causing huge around Brexit The issues ‘I am a small beef farmer. prices I receive for my stock. As costs continue to rise for This is affecting the anxiety. This will only get worse if there is a No Deal meal, fertiliser etc my farm will not be viable. and tariffs come in’ ‘We need fear and concern to be minimized. So, we need good people on the ground the on people good need we So, minimized. be to concern and fear need ‘We very important. very, It’s to border people. and can offer advice who have knowledge ground the on people good need we so form or shape some in happen to going Brexit’s thing I’ll the first the border region. That’s and we need them across and out and about, say’ over the a big dark cloud hanging there’s almost like they feel are very negative, ‘People and a lot of questions on their minds it’s So, so much uncertainty. border because there’s all Where’s What on earth is going to happen next? by local people like: are being asked you mean last night? When will this all be over? So, What did Boris Johnson this going? life’ on local here and it is having a negative effect lot of uncertainty a know, and worries which leads to and can lead to mistrust, and ‘Uncertainty leads to concern relationships, on impact or relationships of tapering a is say would I what increasingly, place where own and their are inclined to go back into their own selves because people seeing. … And that is what I am currently people. they are comfortable with like-minded lack of engagement and building up of has started a process of an increasing Brexit So, within communities’ concern between people and Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit demonstrate the wide demonstrate (interview 2). (R245). (R1).

This again points to the distinctiveness of the Irish border region – and perhaps to Northern This again points to the distinctiveness but plan for the future, it difficult to just make doesn’t Ireland more broadly: that uncertainty security of that future in the most basic terms. it also raises concerns about the of potential conflict and insecurity as well Deal brings risks Given the perception that No comes to the border region as economic challenges, the sense of hopelessness when it having any influence over this process is all the more acute: ‘We don’t have any say in what happens in the north or in the UK – we are not involved don’t ‘We any change that happens, in that – but what we are involved in is trying to ensure that happen on the basis of an overnight That it doesn’t happens in a planned, structured way. … sensation or an overnight curtain coming down or whatever. consequences are identified Making sure that where unforeseen changes and unforeseen And no plan just means and do arise that there is a method to be able to deal with them. ensures that anything that no plan. So, is no plan. A No Deal means that there that there’s No Deal is avoided is to be welcomed’ ‘As a result of the lack of certainty, it is very difficult to plan for the future in terms of it is very difficult to plan for the future of the lack of certainty, a result ‘As region, ascertaining whether community safety will become continuing to live in the border Our fortunes. its improve will business family our whether determining and issue big a of and we have identified already a drop in the number family business is in hospitality, account of the political uncertainties associated with Brexit people coming to our area on it brings’ and the potential trouble that border region would you expect to be most affected by Brexit?’ by Brexit?’ to be most affected expect region would you border enshrined in Human Rights) law which is threats to environmental (and ‘Environment - from the a No Deal withdrawal may be subject to dismissal following and European Law threats we many on-going environmental concerning in relation to the EU - particularly mining gold industry such as toxic extractive including those faced from the face locally, farming, etc.’ and fracking, factory All this points to the importance of practical advice and accurate information on this subject All this points to the importance of practical advice and accurate but which the vast majority of respondents feel to be scarce or entirely absent: matter, range of issues raised by such a prospect: range of issues Another response below shows – in a point that builds on from the discussion above – how Another response below shows for many dimension with another intermingled are for businesses the pragmatic concerns safety: community in the region, i.e.

A No Deal Brexit Deal No A 46 Responses to the Revised Withdrawal Agreement 49 , PM Boris ‘Get Brexit done’ Brexit ‘Get ‘I would not be surprised, if this . Interviewee 12 concurred: ‘Very few could put store on what the final deal might look few could put store on what the final deal might ‘Very might change. I am not watching the news, as it is changing every 3 months.’ might change. like, it’s been changing so often’ it’s like, Responses to the Revised Revised to the Responses Agreement Withdrawal Protocol on Ireland/ The new Northern Ireland of our fieldwork, a new UK Conservative Prime MinsterOnly two months before the beginning was negotiations of Brexit direction political the a change in that, with and, office up took EU dawned and passed withdrawal from the for the UK’s afoot. The deadline of 31 October exit for the new year. date for to be replaced by another whilst the fieldwork was underway, was reached between the UK and the EU on 17 OctoberA revised Withdrawal Agreement which had direct implications for containing a new Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland 2019, on the island of Ireland. and for avoiding a hard border of Brexit the experience to the avoided a hard border by treating Northern Ireland differently the Protocol In summary, Parliament before UK this new agreement was not ratified by the rest of the UK. However, in an The House of Commons seemed to be date at the end of October. the planned exit Under the slogan promise to intractable stalemate over Brexit. Johnson put the country into a General Election for 12 December 2019. Johnson put the country into a when the online survey for this been released hadn’t The revised Withdrawal Agreement in the but all the focus groups and interviews were conducted after it was project was live, views were recorded during this second phase of research regarding public domain. Various the new Protocol of this Agreement and we summarise them here. thatawareness is There deal. new the about understanding of lack overall an is there First, Protocol than to the previousalthough unionists are even more strongly opposed to this Northern Ireland – although it is beingnationalist and centrist parties in version, so too are getto struggle people that means This government. UK the as well as Irish the by supported for the border region.a clear impression of the deal, let alone to know its full implications of Brexit experience the final judgement, given from refraining in logic a certain There is also as interviewee 9 noted: so far, Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives (R21) The Border into Brexit (R226). (R69)

‘A deal, no matter how unpalatable, will bring some certainty and allow for medium to and allow for medium to will bring some certainty unpalatable, deal, no matter how ‘A No deal will bring both civic and business. to be made across society, long term plans and chaos’ instability uncertainty, EU regulations governing standards; freefall of income for ‘Increased tariffs; loss of all could impose any regulations that they want, NI farmers; uncertainty; UK government exporting’ especially regarding import and This view, however, was still further sharpened and even more often shared in relation to shared in relation even more often sharpened and was still further however, This view, a No Deal Brexit: the possibility of to plan for the unknown’ without a transition period hard ‘Uncertainties, Overall, responses to our online survey indicate that uncertainty is not just a condition but Overall, responses to our online that are so in that it is having direct effects. In fact, it is these effects a force in and of itself, is having. The possibility of forms of impact that Brexit far the most tangible and concrete of uncertainty in the border region this sense has served to exacerbate a No Deal Brexit and experience already had on some people’s has Brexit and thus increase the impact that decision-making.

A No Deal Brexit Deal No A 48 Responses to the Revised Withdrawal Agreement 51 (interview 5). (focus group 2). (focus group 5). (interview 11). For here, it’s the least crappy deal out of all the crappy deals. As for the rest of the UK, I UK, the of rest the for As deals. crappy the all of out deal crappy least the it’s here, For But there is bad. for the rest, I believe Brexit As very happy either. isn’t know that Scotland just fact’ that’s has to be a border, The revised Protocol is viewed as perpetuating uncertainty in that there is a lot still to be The revised Protocol is viewed as perpetuating uncertainty implementation and when it comes to its practical decided and made clear after Brexit costs: ‘But there is still a lot of uncertainty, like how will cross-border opportunities and projects like ‘But there is still a lot of uncertainty, What will this for EU funding? be affected? Will Northern Ireland projects still be eligible and opportunities that have mean for developing cross-border tourism relationships on for some time?’ been worked There is a common view that, although it is better than a No Deal, this Withdrawal Agreement than a No Deal, this Withdrawal view that, although it is better There is a common still threatening because it is seen as to the border region. This is specifically is still damaging the threat reawakened seen as also managing to have it is Moreover, a form of hard Brexit. than republicanism. rather of loyalism the part on particularly time this only of violence, for unionism, participants of the difficulties among our research There is clear recognition region: including those in the Irish border it’s border region. However, have any impact on the are being told that it won’t ‘We minds and psychology of unionism. That is a concern. Yes, clearly had an impact on the told by PM Johnson that there would not be a hard we are being that is a concern. So, any impact. But we are being told by unionism that it is border and that would not have having a negative their place in a United Kingdom… It’s damaging for them in terms of a negative impact on a sizeable number of having It’s psychology. impact on people’s of belonging’ psychology and their sense of place and sense people’s It’s the challenge to identity that comes with that. the imposition of a border and it’s ‘It’s change and a wholesale It’s taking away freedoms and how you live your normal life. Fermanagh or a sea border, irrespective of whether the border is here in Cavan with That new border that is being considered, to have a huge impact on life here. going it’s to the loyalist and unionist the ramifications of that and the concern that that causes communities in Northern Ireland’ There are therefore wider psychological and symbolic and social and political ramifications and symbolic and social and political ramifications There are therefore wider psychological border Indeed, a Irish land border. of a hard from the prospect from this, just as there are no matter to identity, peace and to as a challenge is seen and Ireland UK the between where it is: Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit (interview 8). : ‘Irish Sea border’ (interview 3).

‘I don’t agree with Brexit. I don’t think there are any opportunities coming out of Brexit are any opportunities coming out of Brexit think there I don’t agree with Brexit. ‘I don’t apart from maybe the smugglers... There has to be a border somewhere if whatsoever, under a deal or a No Deal. the UK is going to leave the European Union, whether that’s It has to be across Ireland or it has to be in the sea… think the government in the sea [in this Withdrawal Agreement], I don’t The fact that it’s Boris, gets in the way. really cares. The north is a bit of an annoying thing that always has put the border down the Irish Sea. after saying he wouldn’t, ‘Regulations between countries could become a challenge. For example, with regard For example, between countries could become a challenge. ‘Regulations trying to work across jurisdictions. Irish and EU legislation to regulatory hours for those to may be asked And yet this consultant Letterkenny. would apply to a consultant from there may be divergences Ireland and where after Brexit, work in Altnagelvin in Northern could impact on service delivery. This example in how such legislation applies. from UK to Ireland or vice A border down the Irish Sea might impact on drugs moving versa and where standards would then be different’ ‘The questions of checks at the border or checks in the Irish sea …I think as a matter of Irish sea …I think as a matter in the or checks at the border ‘The questions of checks will have repercussions. It happens and we pull away from Europe that fact when Brexit must have’ To an extent, there is also a lack of real interest in the detail of the deal. This is in part deal. This is in detail of the interest in the a lack of real there is also an extent, To due (judging and in part due to Brexit-weariness made in the focus by various comments Brexit. government ministers regarding to a loss of trust in British groups and interviews) regarding the interpretations and slogans rise to the view that political This has given value. at face be taken region cannot border and the Ireland effects on Northern Protocol’s Given will not be the last word on Brexit. is also a strong sense that this there Furthermore, a harder Irish engage with the prospect of border region have had to that people in the the our respondents also point to it is perhaps unsurprising that Brexit, land border through of a so-called potential impact This was elaborated further by a person in one focus group, who was rather sanguinely This was elaborated further by a person in one focus group, Prime Ireland) and that, in their view, border with the EU (i.e. means a noting that Brexit down the Irish Sea: Minister Johnson had gone against his word and put that border Participants were also keen to note that the Protocol did not resolve all issues in relation to to note that the Protocol did not resolve all issues in relation were also keen Participants the movement potential of additional uncertainty vis-à-vis the Irish border and that, with the interviewee one from contribution This concerns. new were there Sea, Irish the across to the health sector in Northern Ireland: spells this out clearly with regard

Responses to the Revised Withdrawal Agreement Withdrawal Revised the to Responses 50 Responses to the Revised Withdrawal Agreement 53 (interview 9). ‘I hope very sincerely that whichever arrangement comes out of this will not in any comes out of this will that whichever arrangement ‘I hope very sincerely truly been well and very reason, and it’s result in lives being lost. For that shape or form on the island resembling a hard border not want to see anything remotely discussed, I do before and in the North from what went The scars are still very much of Ireland again. South also’ many are in the Another interviewee summed up the bottom line: up the bottom interviewee summed Another Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

(interview 4). The Border into Brexit (interview 7).

‘This process is highlighting the existence of the border again. People are wondering, again. People of the border ‘This process is highlighting the existence It all feels that we will have to identify ‘how will this affect us and our relationships?’ we are going It feels like ourselves again, whereas before this issue had been lessened. don’t People process. peace the on impact may this that is concern the and backwards about so much but there is the real question not being talked want to raise this and so it’s about how this might impact on the peace process’ ‘Are we going to have to drive to Enniskillen [or] are we going to have to drive south of to drive south [or] are we going to have going to have to drive to Enniskillen we ‘Are Who knows. The uncertainty is absolutely horrendous. Ballyshannon to clear our goods? coming out and saying well, there secretary of the Brexit And when you have the likes the PM GB into NI, and then NI into GB and from going out from with goods will be checks what’s you know? Do they know fool here, the who’s none, gets up and says there will be for themselves say to want what they saying are They do. they believe don’t I happening? give a damn’ here in the North in particular – they don’t regardless of what the person ‘You’ve got so much uncertainty coming from London that generally people here just that generally people coming from London got so much uncertainty ‘You’ve that the going and then you find it’s know which way don’t what to believe, know don’t somebody… you know, So, one another. are actually contradicting political leadership not the case and else says oh, that’s says something and somebody Boris Johnson border region’ very confused and that just leads to a very, contradicts him Uncertainty is perpetuated by the new deal in another way too, in that people’s trust of in that people’s way too, deal in another by the new is perpetuated Uncertainty been strained by the has in Westminster) the political leadership politicians (particularly handling of the whole topic: process and the Brexit (focus group 3). in the many people the new Protocol appears not to have reassured in that sense, So, some wariness about the messages disruption, still express border region: they still expect political leaders, and still feel uncertain and uninformed, they have received from some the (re)emergence of any border makes harm. Similarly, which in and of itself only causes who one interviewee, explained well by is This tangible. differences more visible and means for community relations not just trade – regardless summarises what a harder border of whether it be a sea or a land border:

Responses to the Revised Withdrawal Agreement Withdrawal Revised the to Responses 52 The Views of Leave Supporters 55

), respondent 402 ‘A hard border is a unicorn; hard border ‘A (R196). (R310) (R58) ‘If using modern technology for customs while crossing it, [a hard border would ‘If using modern technology for customs while crossing it, [a (R475). But others, as seen in the example below, see the very possibility of restrictions to cross- of restrictions the very possibility see below, the example as seen in But others, as a positive development: Brexit border travel after rises in the resulting in the first pay the number of migrant workers ‘It has reduced a decade’ manufacturing sector for almost engineering and (R392) mean] Nothing.’ it’s never existed and never will. How and who can implement one?’ existed never it’s a border and thus negate believes that technology can remove any visible effects of such its effects: Views on a hard border Views on Leave-voting respondents when it comes opinion among our There is a significant range of Irish land border would mean to them. A portion of them to the question of what a hard could it that doubt much very and exist could border hard a that disbelief strong express ever happen in reality: border’ believe there will be a hard ‘I don’t is more traffic heading North to purchase goods than ‘I doubt much will happen. There only be of benefit to local businesses including my own’ the other way around. This can possible’ believe a hard border is physically ‘I don’t of crap with the media and a load believe it’s think very much will be affected - I ‘I don’t before joining the EU and will continue dealt with the South the EU fear mongering. We prosper more outside of I believe we’ll Personally, to do so regardless of the outcome. will interests at heart and only a hard Brexit believe the EU has the UK’s …I don’t the EU. they’d any sense they’d leave cure it. [The] South of Ireland will suffer more than us and if too’ Related to this, while respondent 377 expresses the view that a hard border cannot exist exist the view that a hard border cannot to this, while respondent 377 expresses Related (e.g. it implement to able be or want will side no because Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives is the fact (R17). The Border into Brexit ‘What aspects of life (R257).

‘Travelling freely in my own country [is at risk]’ ‘Travelling ‘Freedom to travel round the land of our birth without restriction is psychological need. ‘Freedom to travel round the land of our birth without restriction three is direction one in border the - unacceptable are kind any of restrictions Border acceptable on any level-self explanatory!’ miles from where I live- NOT Leave supporters and this survey supporters Leave our best in this research, despite are not proportionately represented supporters Leave spectrum full the across people from possible as participation much as encourage to efforts how interviewees or participants group focus ask not did We subject. the on views of were there and supporters), Leave were they that disclosed some (although voted they As a proportion of who completed the survey. respondents out of the 475 41 Leave-voting voters Leave in 2016, a vote at the time of the referendum the 312 respondents who had care to analyse their responses and have taken We represent 13% of the survey sample. majority of answers They do differ in some significant ways from the report on them here. given to our questions. has that it say 41 of the 24 already, Brexit of effects the to experiencing comes it When this Most of those who say it has impacted upon them say had no impact on them so far. of sterling encouraging shoppers from south devaluation has been in positive ways (e.g. has had a negative effect respondents say Brexit of the border). Only four Leave-voting being investments e.g. uncertainty, effects of the to in relation is primarily and this so far, respondents in our survey Just one of the Leave-voting put on hold and increased prices. regret at voting Leave. expresses answers to the question of respondents’ Notable in Leave-voting The Views of Leave Supporters of Leave The Views for you in the border region would you expect to be most affected by Brexit?’ for you in the border region would you expect as posing a risk to the respondents, they also perceive Brexit that, as with Remain-voting present-day levels of freedom of movement in the border region:

The Views of Leave Supporters Leave of Views The 54 The Views of Leave Supporters 57 (R308). ‘The potential [R7]). Indeed, the perception ‘It’ll cripple the local economy as ‘It’ll cripple the local economy (R133) [R34]) to the possibility of violence ( [R34]) to the possibility of violence (R402) [R17). (R475) for increased dissident activity as a response to hard Brexit’ for increased dissident activity ‘At best inconvenience over border crossing; at worst economic disaster for businesses best ‘At in the area’ will importantly and most economy border life, work, social travel, daily restrict ‘It will highlight long forgotten tension’ Views on a No Deal Brexit Views on in this around half of the respondents Brexit, to the prospect of a No Deal When it comes between a deal and a either that there is no difference suggest Leave survey who voted (and included No Deal is a better option for the border region, or that No Deal scenario that Irish nationalist opinions suggesting views of No Deal are two among these positive of a harder closer). As with the prospect would bring a united Ireland such a situation will have sceptical that No Deal really of these respondents are a high proportion border, much effect on the border region: UK border is UK border’ a difference. see ‘Don’t on the put checks if you could call it that. If the UK doesn’t ‘No one wants a hard border border will the EU do the same?’ any other part of the UK’ will suffer but Ni will be no different than ‘Republic so dependent on cross-border trade’ it’s and unpredictable is reflected in a few responses from that the impact could be broad what a No Deal would mean: respondents regarding Leave-voting Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives Others are wary of giving an opinion, citing the lack of sufficient information currently opinion, citing the lack of sufficient information currently Others are wary of giving an border. available on the future Brexit option than No Deal associate the latter with a wide range Those who view a deal as a better from economic impacts ( of negative effects. These range

(R52). (R392) (R257) (R3) (R196). The Border into Brexit (R466) (R457) (R472) (R165).

‘Disaster for social and commercial cohesion’ ‘Violence’ ‘The end of freedom to travel north to south’ better together’ ‘It will put an end of a generation of progress in trade and growing ‘Extra time spent on administration, waiting times at border and financial burdens ‘Extra time spent on administration, waiting times at border associated with above’ ‘The remanifestation of British occupation and a new intensity to end it’ ‘The remanifestation of British ‘More determined to work for an end to Westminster rule in North of Ireland’ rule in North an end to Westminster ‘More determined to work for a United Ireland – [a hard border] is not acceptable’ ‘I would become proactive in seeking ‘It will be a customs border. I remember the old customs border and there was no problem’ was no problem’ old customs border and there I remember the border. ‘It will be a customs (R463) the fuss is about to be honest’ see what can’t with a hard border, ‘I have no issue to stop illegal immigrants and to protect British trade’ ‘Better control of security and Another group of five respondents suggest that a hard border would mean checks (be they (be they mean checks border would that a hard suggest group of five respondents Another not will it that or thing, positive a either is this that view the share but customs) or passport lives: affect their personal However, the much greater proportion of responses to this question comes from those from comes question this to responses of proportion greater much the However, negative consequences for the region. These are framed who see a hard border as having Remain- the with (as are that issues of range a cover and perspective practical a from largely delays, travel and daily life, voting respondents), very wide-ranging, such as disruption to prices rises, and securitisation/militarisation of the border: It is important to acknowledge that a small minority of our Leave-voting respondents appear that a small minority of our Leave-voting It is important to acknowledge the view that a hard border position, and they express to come from an Irish nationalist When unification, which they see as a positive outcome. would spur momentum for Irish they answer: what a hard border would mean for them, asked (R17)

The Views of Leave Supporters Leave of Views The 56 The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced 59 (R101) (R19). (R157) (R377) (R473). What have you done/planned as a result of Brexit? What have you done/planned as a as a result of Brexit? What have you not been able to do/plan

‘I have been made redundant’

This was in order to cover the fact that Brexit could mean people having to do or prepare do or to having people could mean Brexit that fact the cover to order was in This and it could mean people not doing need not have done, for things that they otherwise say About 1 in 5 of the online survey respondents done. what they would otherwise have EU). the in still was UK the asking of time the (at impact an noticed yet not have they that from impact direct a of examples specific recount respondents of majority the However, that they have already noticed. Brexit f f One respondent described his redundancy in a way that points to the pre-emptive One respondent described his redundancy in a way that certain businesses in the border region untenable: would make anticipation that Brexit ‘Lost my job last year. Company pulled out of NI moved job to the EU’ my job last year. ‘Lost ‘Will have to be laid off from work’ redundancies’ ‘Staff majority European made redundant. business decision by large employer... ‘Already apparently our plant was still profitable’ customer base.. The Impact of Brexit of Brexit The Impact Experienced Already an impact in the has already been having previous report that Brexit Knowing from our ways) respondents had examples of how (if in any for specific we asked border region, This took the form of two questions: been affected. work and investment Impact on business, Perhaps most on their work and business. effects of Brexit Many people commented on the this includes several reports of redundancies: strikingly, Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

The Border into Brexit (R93) (R7). , not the nature of it. ‘better’ ‘we are already an over represented country in terms of politicians per person’ in terms of politicians per an over represented country ‘we are already

‘Bi lateral representation between UK and Ireland at national government level and cross and level government national at Ireland UK and between representation lateral ‘Bi border local authority engagement’ ‘Dedicated cross border body to oversee and find a best possible and sustainable long to oversee and find a best possible and sustainable long ‘Dedicated cross border body it seems, is becoming a problem’ term solution to what once again It is also worth noting that, just as with respondents from all perspectives, there are a from all perspectives, noting that, just as with respondents It is also worth to the question of political voters in response among the Leave expressed variety of views need for a greater 1 in 8 do not see a for the border region after Brexit. representation commenting one present, at exists than region the for representation of form different or that Preferences for representation for the for the for representation Preferences region after Brexit border 1 in 5 Leave-voting respondents refer to some sort of a joint British-Irish representation or representation British-Irish of a joint refer to some sort respondents 1 in 5 Leave-voting suggests that including two respondents who of the EU, one that involves representatives both north/south and British/Irish, is necessary: more formal cross-border cooperation, Others express a resolute desire for a functioning local Assembly and Executive in Northern for a functioning local Assembly and Executive a resolute desire Others express there is scope for greater involvement by local authorities. It Ireland and some suggest that representation political in confidence of no a vote cast participants a few worth noting that is as from sectors such at all, suggesting instead that there is scope for wider representation or even a greater role for the police service. the business community, supporters in this survey reveals an interesting Analysis of the responses from Leave in the supporters as well as among Remain supporters, diversity of opinion among Leave on the (e.g. regarding Brexit border region. It also shows that uncertainty and lack of detail about the future. revised Protocol) also acts as a dampener on their confidence (R143). A few share the view that, as noted elsewhere in this report, it is widely held among (R143). A few share the view that, what will matter is the quality of representation, which needs respondents to this survey that to be

The Views of Leave Supporters Leave of Views The 58 The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced 61

(R333). (R57). (focus group 1). (R383) (R420) (R81) (R6) of such calculations is complicated yet crucial. People in the of such calculations is complicated yet crucial. People ‘people dimension’ (interview 9). given in the survey of deals falling through including those There are also many examples sample: small a is Here jobs. of offering and houses of selling businesses, farming to relating And an interviewee gave a specific example of the wider impact of Brexit on the business impact of Brexit example of the wider gave a specific And an interviewee anticipated: and experienced both already sector, ‘terrified’ is the word they would use. They are mainly large, unionist dairy farmers. Quite dairy farmers. unionist large, are mainly They would use. is the word they ‘terrified’ happen’ consequences of what might terrified of the ‘I need to buy farm machinery but will not do anything until Brexit is over’ Brexit ‘I need to buy farm machinery but will not do anything until that decisions have had to explains Another respondent working in the financial sector exit occurring on the specified of Brexit be based on their assessment as to the likelihood risking costly miscalculations: date, put serious plans into our business to accommodate us if there is a No have had to ‘We However we work in the button as yet until we know for definite. pushed haven’t Deal. We of renewal therefore insurance and we have to issue renewal notices 30 days in advance and not the 31st’ arrangements from the 1st of October we have to make on their daily might have a direct impact border region have had to consider how Brexit ‘The exchange rate situation has been worrying, to put it mildly, for local (Irish) industry. for local (Irish) industry. to put it mildly, rate situation has been worrying, ‘The exchange in certainly the event of a Hard Brexit, sterling would fall rapidly in that It is expected going into cause problems for any product and that would obviously the initial stages, challenge’ a real be would of Brexit, a result as rate in the exchange fall further A Britain. ‘Investment in business on hold’ due to on disposable income impact of home. fall in value move. house ‘Fallen through drop in £ [sterling]’ rate] [exchange It will security. have job I now don’t My job is EU funded, may impact my job. ‘Brexit From paying my mortgage to my aspect of my life. therefore impact on every single education and my own peace of mind’ children’s to take is not willing in the north, so employer I live because ’Had [a job offer] withdrawn work in EU’ the risk I’ll be able to travel and The Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives (focus group The Border into Brexit ‘the fear factor and factor fear ‘the (R362).

‘I have a chartered accountancy practice in Mid Ulster and the main reason I wanted to ‘I have a chartered accountancy practice in Mid Ulster and …I have a practice of 500 clients: a lot of is that] come today [to attend the focus group, A real broad mix of farmers, a lot of builders, a lot of engineers, engineering companies. word I think the loans… with bank bigger farmers with the farmers, In particular, clientele. ‘Brexit has a major negative impact on our daily lives and on our future. As farmers the As farmers our future. and on daily lives impact on our negative has a major ‘Brexit level. If any at in diversification or investment expansion for not allow does uncertainty we [Common Agricultural Policy] subsidies are not maintained at current levels of CAP [Severely Disadvantaged as land here is mostly [designated as] SDA will not survive, plans as expansion threat we would have continued our Area]. …If there was no Brexit was before 2016’ Examples of delayed investment and retraction are particularly evident in the agricultural Examples of delayed investment sector: ‘A lot of our businesses and factories have slowed down expansion. They don’t know They don’t down expansion. and factories have slowed lot of our businesses ‘A they ago, going to affect them. Five years is going to go or how this is what way this has slowed down. If nearly every month, but that ahead and expanding were ploughing happen. won’t it slows down, job expansions [advice] but work to give small businesses done Trojan I know our [Irish] government has businesses around here do a lot of business in Northern they are still worried… A lot of another spending and out going about worried be they’d I think and England and Ireland [without knowing] which way does this go?’ half a million or another million, In fact, 1 in 10 respondents to the survey describe a change in business plans as a result plans as a change in business describe a to the survey in 10 respondents In fact, 1 Northern to import into the planning as no longer examples covers such This of Brexit. The fact that investment in Northern Ireland. from EU countries, or delaying Ireland market is Ireland Northern in as border the of side southern the on much as felt be can impact this from one focus group: seen in this comment a lack of confidence… there is a nervousness about future investments. As an example, example, As an there is a nervousness about future investments. a lack of confidence… an in debt a with saddled being fearing plans, investment curtailed has business one uncertain market.’ A participant in a focus group described the impact of the uncertainty on those who are impact of the uncertainty in a focus group described the A participant particularly in the border region and in agriculture: to Brexit, most exposed 5). on business as being the effects of Brexit One interviewee (11) describes

The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced Experienced Already Brexit of Impact The 60 The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced 63 (interview 1). (interview 12). . This indicates a hiatus and lag in planning and expansion that could be seen to seen that could be and expansion in planning a hiatus and lag . This indicates (R12). Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives This type of experience is echoed by another interviewee working on the business side of is echoed by another interviewee working on the This type of experience the agri-food sector in Ireland: restrictions on EU workers coming in to NI, industry is facing a resourcing cliff edge. Fewer Fewer cliff edge. a resourcing industry is facing coming in to NI, on EU workers restrictions the to economic depression in leading in means potential factory closure, people coming area’ have been what will really happen. People know they don’t are really confused, ‘People has impacted on their plans.’ - Brexit returning to their home countries such that representation political of lack acute the given poignant particularly is This individuals have in these circumstances: and spend in the local yet they pay taxes a vote, have ‘Migrant communities don’t affecting them’ They are speechless on the big decisions economy. ‘limbo’ putting in place have been We organised locally. to seminars on Brexit have gone ‘We limbo, in are we minute the at But outlay. financial some involved has this and plans new and have done as much as we can. to NI exporting from beyond markets, our expand we have to would mean that Brexit will have to This will mean widening delivery routes. We and to consider new markets. consider employing new staff. research and development and examine want to put in place new plans and move forward. But we are in limbo at the moment. We to see this all finished and with a final decision being made’ would like We Perhaps unsurprisingly, people from other EU countries in Northern Ireland are experiencing Ireland are experiencing other EU countries in Northern people from unsurprisingly, Perhaps in the migrant as this interviewee (12) working significant force already, as a highly Brexit community explained: will mean to this is particularly notable given what Brexit have actually had an effect. This business: As we discuss below, these decisions will have long-term consequences, regardless of the these decisions As we discuss below, UK/EU relationship. final outcome from the changed interviewees from the business consequences of Brexit, In outlining the current and future of trying to deal with the situation what it has been like sector also took care to explain The Border into Brexit (R15) and a reduction in the pool of in the and a reduction (R15) ‘families leaving’ (R21), (R315). (R24). (R328). ‘likely emigration’ ‘likely

‘Border controls will affect everything… We certainly already have many clients who have who clients many have already certainly We everything… affect will controls ‘Border border controls to visit our made it clear that they are not willing to bring their pet through These clients care they have. vets, even though we are the closest emergency veterinary in Ireland [on southern side have already requested their notes be sent to another vets of the border]’ ‘I own a business and take data from Ireland, France, USA and UK. But now with Brexit and UK. But now with Brexit USA data from Ireland, France, ‘I own a business and take from all my EU Clause Contract to receive this information/data I need a Standard these customers from sending us their business deterring customers outside the UK. It’s and the cost I may have to open a premise in Ireland and data and looking elsewhere. associated with that’ ‘I am applying for an Irish passport after 30 years of living in Donegal [as a British citizen]. of living in Donegal [as a an Irish passport after 30 years ‘I am applying for occupational no control over – my British about other things so have …I’ve been worrying still I can whether recognized, will continue to be my qualifications pension, whether the border to work in Dublin [crossing HSE [in the ROI], how will I travel apply for jobs in I might level job in my field in NI that applied for a senior route]. I haven’t in the shortest have without Brexit’ life and then make decisions or adjustments accordingly. For example, a British citizen a British For example, accordingly. or adjustments decisions make then life and and the Ireland summarises the spread and working in the NHS in Northern living in Ireland such uncertainty: consequence of Another example of a loss of business comes from this vet in Fermanagh and Omagh: Another example Respondents also describe withholding of personal investment or spending plans. These also describe withholding Respondents buying a house kitchen to going on holiday, one’s range from anything from renovating Specific loan. a out taking or border), the of side other the on exclusively not but (especially making people to led have that Brexit of consequences the about concerns of examples problems in data sharing, in recruiting employees, and these negative decisions include of sterling. A good illustration of this is from a business the downside of the devaluation person based in Northern Ireland: Another issue raised by a number of responses in the survey, focus groups and interviews and groups focus survey, the in responses of number a by raised issue Another the availability of labour in Northern Ireland, on reducing is the long-term effects of Brexit including ‘The Craigavon industrial base, particularly food processing is heavily dependent on particularly food processing is ‘The Craigavon industrial base, / and in the event of a hard Brexit The workforce has a high turnover migrant labour. migrant workers seeking employment: migrant workers

The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced Experienced Already Brexit of Impact The 62 The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced 65 (R17). ‘I didn’t think that it would be ‘I didn’t (focus group 1). (focus group 1). This has particularly negative effects in an in effects negative particularly has This 1). group (focus (focus group 1). (interview 8). The effect of Brexit in a nutshell, according to many respondents, will be to change the in a nutshell, according to many respondents, will The effect of Brexit effects for politics and direction of travel for Britain, and this is viewed as having knock-on insecurity felt the deepening In particular, identity as well as economics in Northern Ireland. in a focus group: by one participant by some unionists in Northern Ireland is well expressed So that’s unionists away. ‘They [the UK political establishment] are quite happy to cut want us anymore. The UK don’t them ask ‘who do we belong to anymore?’ bound to make ‘I think that following the Good Friday Agreement that most people thought ‘that’s the the thought ‘that’s most people Agreement that Good Friday that following the ‘I think their business and cross- on with living as normal and doing and got end of that problem’ and Do ordinary political stuff partnership. friends [and] cross-border border work and a big threat to it There’s this; it has not gone. reawakens But Brexit promote the projects. be vigilant’ we have to there, working away from back-to-back years there has been a movement the past ‘Over that changes, this of any If manner. integrated an in and collaboratively working towards would be a regression’ socio-political or communal tensions that persist in the The second is in relation to the polarising topic: is largely seen as a divisive, region. Brexit so oppositional’ It’s so binary. respondent living in Northern Ireland, and who abstained in One already-divided society. in these stark terms: the impact of Brexit the 2016 referendum, described untold stress. My Protestant work colleagues are openly ‘It is causing me and my family saving the union whilst the Catholic staff try not to say supportive of the No Deal and I am actively seeking work opportunities in ROI’ much to avoid tensions building. not paramilitaries and it’s ‘There have been very dangerous comments from loyalist going to blow up the south. surprising that they’re doing that and threatening that they’re sadly mean that we haven’t What is worrying is the lack of reaction to that. Does that That the establishments, the governments, the police, moved on an awful lot in 20 years? destroying They’re recruiting”. working away there, the military are saying “they’re unionist and loyalist in interest an taking is nobody that sad communities…it’s own their communities that are worse off probably now than ever’ And it would be remiss not to recognise that such tensions and differences can be fuelled that such tensions and differences can be fuelled And it would be remiss not to recognise doubt because of the by paramilitary organisations on both sides. No and exploited Ireland about the revised Withdrawal Agreement, publicly in Northern concerns expressed in Caledon: was mentioned in focus groups. For example, the spectre of loyalist violence Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit experience known in the past in the experience (interview 9). (R38). ‘back to back’ (interview 9).

Of course, it is not just business relations that people are concerned could be damaged by it is not just business relations that people are concerned Of course, as we discuss in the section below. Brexit, ‘Two of my children have decided not to do 3rd level education in NI due to Brexit threat Brexit to due NI in education level 3rd do to not decided have children my of ‘Two making the brain drain from as they want to remain connected to Europe - this threat is border counties even worse than it was’ Impact on social relations and connections Impact on social is already having in the border on social relations that Brexit There are two types of impact have been that they Some report and planning. to daily life regard first is with The region. in a way that minimises or place of study, residency, considering a change in employment, In relation to this, many describe personal/family decisions the need for cross-border travel. of Brexit: in expectation ‘For example, businesses are now sourcing suppliers from the continent, and those businesses are ‘For example, go To years with UK and NI suppliers have now gone. relationships built up over many is particularly challenging for small Irish speaking markets further afield into non-English exporters’ There is a certain weariness with the continuing uncertainty. People are saying ‘I wish this saying ‘I wish are People uncertainty. with the continuing a certain weariness There is goes a limb if [Brexit] it is on food industry is the big one… The very soon’. would be over is really concerned. entire food sector in Ireland The of a hard Brexit. ahead in the form know what are afraid. Many don’t in business People has become greater. The weariness plans’ are changing existing to do and some Such decisions are reminiscent of the border region, with the sense of there being different if not competing interests on either border region, with the sense of there being different if not only was This concerns. common to approach joined-up a lacking and border, the of side the normalisation of cross- overcome by the slow embedding of the peace process and well in one of the focus border relations. This process – and the threat to it - was described groups: This interviewee goes on to note that this already means an eroding of carefully-built already means an eroding of goes on to note that this This interviewee Irish land and sea border: businesses across the relationships between

The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced Experienced Already Brexit of Impact The 64 Looking Ahead 67 , as a respondent from focus group focus from respondent a as , (R426). ‘unintended consequences’ ‘unintended 1 put it. And so, when the survey asked respondents to name three aspects of life in the respondents to name three aspects of when the survey asked 1 put it. And so, very the range of areas covered are to be affected by Brexit, border region that they expect and complex is a good illustration of the range of interrelated illuminating. This example for people in the border region: issues that arise from Brexit The web-like nature of Brexit consequences was also well articulated by participants in nature of Brexit The web-like bring – would effects that people fear Brexit focus groups. Here the multitude of negative – are enumerated in detail from terrorism and violence to loss of business and EU funding comments: in two participants’ to going is Ireland in business every hit, be to going is border the along business ‘Every I’m in the farming in all this paperwork. if they have to start filling be hit the same way, their product probably 75% of business. …For one of the biggest dairies in the country, Looking Ahead Looking of the interrelated The complexity of Brexit consequences is that ‘Brexit’ data from this project is very striking across all the research One thing that is of the issues that arise reflects timeframes. The complexity not viewed in singular terms or in the region. These in turn are signs of integration that exists the connectivity and sensitivity the UK and Ireland, as well as across the Irish border itself. that have happened between so many issues to categorise the issues under set headings because it is difficult And so, is best summarised as being greatest concern people’s are closely interrelated. In fact, of reaction chain a of one infrastructure physical through go to having of prospect The border. the spans family My ‘1. about dreams bad and having flashbacks I’m me. re-traumatising already is visit them to again. the British army terrorising us and my brothers who play in England frequently have matches matches 2. I go to GAA going to happen there? here in Ireland - what’s collapse of farming in the 3. I’m not a farmer but I’m seriously worried about the possible of us as agriculture is such north and the widespread consequences that will have on all a big part of our economy’ Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives (R328). (focus group The Border into Brexit (R48) (R255) (R328).

Again, it is important to remember that the fears of isolation, tensions and violence Again, it is important to remember that the fears of isolation, are not completely by participants in this research in the Central Border Region expressed and memories that for abstract or academic concerns – they arise from lived experience many remain vivid and real. ‘Safety concerns - we have already had one bomb in our area and other bomb scares. bomb other and area our in bomb one had already have we - concerns ‘Safety daily a on about think to have not UK do the of parts other that fear life real a is This basis’ ‘Not visiting Northern Ireland, for shopping & social events, as often as I would like for shopping & social events, as often as I would like ‘Not visiting Northern Ireland, because of rising social tensions’ it harder to cross the border. ‘Fear of being divided again, it controlling us and leaving Also the fear of violence starting up again’ ‘[I fear] Isolation from Ireland – a major, major part of our lives, travel, leisure and business. major part of our lives, travel, leisure and business. a major, ‘[I fear] Isolation from Ireland – in worked Having UK. the of rest the in people the from isolation further feel I also And everyday person has no knowledge of Northern Ireland, England, I truly realised how the was part of the UK! with many noteven knowing it less attractive to Our products and services become less and going to improve. This isn’t UK customers. both southern customers and business my for items courier to prices that told been have I month past the in times Three completely unjustifiable to order these items’ have tripled in costs making it We decided we don’t want to be part of the EU. We want the union at all costs. … So, it’s it’s all costs. … So, the union at want We the EU. to be part of want don’t decided we We making people turn around … It’s thing is alienating people. This whole alienating people. It is forcing people into … Who can I rely on?’. my friends anymore? and say ‘who are out as a theoretical economic started …this think they should be in. corners that I don’t it gets resolved’ Unless dangerous for us here. got really it’s argument [but] Others fear there are increasing challenges to community cohesion and the threat of a of threat the and cohesion community to challenges increasing are there fear Others see it as already occurring: others Some fear this for the future, resurgence of violence. 4). for communities in the border a fear of associated isolation others emphasise More broadly, the UK and isolation that comes within north and south – and region of all backgrounds, and economic spheres: Ireland and across social, political

The Impact of Brexit Already Experienced Experienced Already Brexit of Impact The 66 Looking Ahead 69

(focus group 1). (focus group 3). , when young people choose to depart ‘brain drain’ The fact that this issue is not confined to just one sector or industry but has knock-on but has knock-on sector or industry to just one is not confined that this issue The fact one focus group participant: public sector is articulated by effects into the One parent from Northern Ireland illustrated what this the area for work or further study. meant in her own family: would three those of one doubt either I …And college. are in two kids – have three ‘I Although they love where come back to be employed in the Fermanagh border region. going to be no opportunities for them and there’s we live and they love the community, for know, worsened it, you that has even drain, I think talk about brain as much as we they’re not going to have the you know, people that are coming out qualified or whatever, opportunities to come home at all… And that is very sad’ had been steadily improving. This sense of despair is all the more acute because things trends in business in the There is a lot of reporting from our respondents of negative ‘There is one issue that straddles both sides of the border and that’s our newcomer our newcomer of the border and that’s that straddles both sides ‘There is one issue of this. Large I just wonder what they think very much in this area. families and they’re If they start area. in the Dungannon particularly newcomer families, schools that have are watching may leave their jobs. They and classroom assistants teachers to leave, the big that community is on know how of all this. I don’t what to make and wondering in large numbers they support the agri-food industry of the border…but southern side have Some time. long a here been have some … them. without it do couldn’t we here, I’m concerned for their wellbeing’ started their own businesses. generations, but particularly can be felt across experience As those comments showed, this at school level: among the young. For example, of those rural areas where people live because they ‘It will, I think, accelerate the decline you because they want to do a bit of farming, because their relative live, want to live, the land, want to have their kids grow up there. to keep want know, go the other way, had increasing rural numbers. That could just as easily Our school’s that lived in because people of my generation in a small rural school. That’s you know, their families and they want to support that. But, equally, England have come back to have and go again if they decide could get up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. People it did it could go like and, are closing and the schools declining services are and the there jobs aren’t the effect on the population of people’ and that could have another generational you know, (focus group 3). And it also has an effect known as the Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

The Border into Brexit (focus group 5). (interview 12). (focus group 1).

Finally, what also comes through very clearly is the overall expectation of a detrimental expectation what also comes through very clearly is the overall Finally, – stemming from the interrelated nature of things – a effect on rural areas in particular population levels. the heart of this challenge is the question of At chain reaction of decline. a basic ambition has been in the Central Border Region and growing the population Keeping step in economic development. This is why the letter being a first for representatives there, 2016 made specific Minister to Prime Minister May in August from the First and deputy First in Northern Ireland. There skilled and unskilled EU workers mention of the need to keep will leave the border region, thus leaving certain are particular concerns that migrants came up quite often in This matter labour market. industries suffering from a diminished This was of this research. rounds than in previous – more focus groups and the the survey by one interviewee: clearly explained ‘People are really confused, they don’t know what will really happen. People have been know what will really happen. People are really confused, they don’t ‘People as not are plans…There their on impacted has Brexit - countries home their to returning are just fed past…People in comparison to the many migrant communities coming here, going to happen’ know what’s up with it all and don’t ‘We, as a local economy here, rely on people being attracted to work here, to come to live to rely on people being attracted to work here, as a local economy here, ‘We, in our manufacturing in our house sector, here, up jobs and opportunities to take here, here live to coming not either and welcomed feel no longer who people see I And sector. I actually already So, or deciding not to- maybe other communities are more welcoming. labour’ attract to ability as here, economy local our of terms in impact negative a see ‘I would worry that…there have always been partnerships and relationships across the and relationships across have always been partnerships that…there ‘I would worry will with that gone, formalise it. I wonder, the EU money that helped to border and with have a lot of cross- I work in the arts and we would start to fall away. those relationships us, with and work come across to artists/performers on rely we relationships, border be gone?’ facilitate sessions; will all that comes from Northern Ireland and goes back into Northern Ireland, and maybe comes maybe and Ireland, Northern into goes back and Ireland Northern from comes Border the Burren, [Cavan] the work, Trojan done has that money PEACE The again. back stopped, we go back to If that Europe. - all that was funded through Uplands [Project] waiting to only a crowd there’s bring a border in any place, If they we were before. where thinking’ that brought this in weren’t The people start thuggery… (interview 5). sense of summarised the the migrant community sector, working in Another interviewee, confusion which is leading to people leaving the region:

Looking Ahead Looking 68 Looking Ahead 71 , ‘non- ‘informed’ (R134). . Many respondents ‘There is none at present ‘Anything would be better ‘Anything , and delivered by delivered and , (R347). (R343), and ‘NI is not well represented anywhere at ‘NI is not well represented anywhere commitment and leadership in representing representing in leadership and commitment (R132) ‘non-self-serving’ (R326), (R25) and ‘stronger’ ‘representing people, not ideas’ ‘representing people, representatives. or and ‘better’ , ‘collaborative’ ‘pragmatic’ ‘balanced’ ‘more’ , and ‘impartial’ (R10) , ‘The same representation that we’ve needed for 20 years and not had. The border regions ‘The same representation that we’ve representation the so politics, NI it’s But dwindle. to left been have west/west south the in Ridiculous’ will be chosen based on whether they go to mass or church. ‘knowledgeable’ do indicate a particular level (rather than quality or The bulk of respondents, however, to see for the border region in the characteristic) of representation that they would like majority (or over 1 in 8 of all respondents) indicate they would nearly the Of those, future. to see some form of cross-border and cross-jurisdictional representation. Despite the like felt, and in a way that is keenly criticisms of Northern Ireland politics, the loss of Stormont express deep frustration with the nature of Northern Ireland politics in particular, and its the nature of Northern Ireland politics in particular, deep frustration with express polarised green/orange tinge: mean DUP or Sinn Féin. I’d personally like and I don’t ‘Someone to speak for the majority the tribal politics behind and argue for leave who’ll to nominate a neutral representative us all’ & green’ ‘Impartial, not based on orange a party to represent people not ideals’ ‘Get Relatedly, a number of responses under this category also described the required type of a number Relatedly, being as representation tribal’ the border region. The extent to which such responses also reflect disappointment with the responses also reflect disappointment to which such The extent the border region. opinions such as: representation is reflected in current level of the moment’ than what we have nothing at working would be good’ so to get any government services the moment so anything would be an improvement’ the moment so anything would of quality/character in the an improvement see to those respondents wishing Equally, describe the type of representation required as representation of the border region representation to be working at present, as well as, importantly, of the extent to which they to the extent of as well as, importantly, at present, to be working representation at this crucial time. and the border region represented see their own voices to the to respond chose 5 respondents 1 in over a little that here to note Interesting It is but rather by level or type of representation not by describing a specific question above that state simply respondents these Half of required. of representation quality of the way is is required what Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives

The Border into Brexit (focus group 2). (interview 10). Responses are revealing of how people in the border region view not only what only not view region border the in people how of revealing are Responses

The above participant mentioned representation. A question we asked in the survey is in the survey we asked The above participant mentioned representation. A question what type or level of representation do you think the border region would Brexit, ‘After need?’ How should the border region be How should the border region represented after Brexit? ‘There seems to be a bit of disconnect between working class people and the institutions ‘There seems to be a bit of disconnect that set up to help them. … The politicians that are that represent them, or the institutions help can we ‘if – outlook politic real business-orientated, a have would network this in class people Whereas, working will be tickety-boo’. businesses get over this, everything Policy] payment CAP [Common Agricultural There is no have a totally different struggle. that the problem, when it out here on our own. Sometimes, it seems we’re for workers: that’s If people. of working-class alienation to the issues relating up is usually gets stirred the elephant in the room, so to speak’ I think that’s not addressed across the border, ‘I’ve talked to scores of small business people in and around Lisnaskea [Fermanagh] that [Fermanagh] people in and around Lisnaskea to scores of small business ‘I’ve talked [across the border in Cavan]’ are looking to move to Ballyconnell region. For example, this interview with a governmental official working to develop the to develop official working governmental with a this interview For example, region. business sector: know afraid. Many don’t in business are People has become greater. ‘The weariness are now businesses For example, plans. some are changing existing what to do and up over many years built relationships from the continent, and those sourcing suppliers speaking further afield into non-English go To suppliers have now gone. with UK and NI small Irish exporters’ is particularly challenging for markets (focus group 4). What makes things worse in Northern Ireland, as we found in the previous reports for reports previous the in found we as Ireland, Northern in worse things makes What instances some in border the of south just to business of loss a is there that is ICBAN, compared and business leaders to find security there, because it is very easy for investors of the UK: to leave the EU shortly with the rest to Northern Ireland which is expected for the border region, one focus group participant was While issues of rurality are central on working people in particular: Brexit careful to outline the effects of is needed of political representation itself but of how they assess the system of political is needed of political representation itself but of how they assess

Looking Ahead Looking 70 Looking Ahead 73 (interview 5). (focus group 4). It is a theme that came up in focus groups too, and we quote it here because it points to the to points it because here it quote we and too, groups focus in up came that theme a is It no No relationships, fragility. also its but sector voluntary community and of the potential for granted or border and for common good can be taken form of cooperation, across the interviewee summarises what can persist without proper support and resourcing. Another at such to the local population services in terms of essential can provide civic organisations information: non-partisanship, an ear, a critical time: voice, Brexit and we’re saying, ‘don’t get switched off, you need to be listening very carefully to very to be listening you need off, switched get ‘don’t saying, and we’re Brexit this stuff’ This is worth quoting at length because her comments bring together three key arguments key bring together three at length because her comments This is worth quoting the First, region. border the in representation for problems persistent highlight to serve that addition to rural parliament could be a novel non-combative operation of a cross-sectoral, counteract region. Second, that it would among politicians in the rural what currently exists that it would Finally, regional policy-making. on the urban centres in the dominant focus region, rather pragmatic concern for the border on issues of particular, help maintain focus then struggle even which groups, or community civic to local falling campaigning than the let alone national UK or Ireland levels. to have an impact at regional level, to point to the role was keen who to this point is a comment from an interviewee, Related of non-political actors: ‘Our members feel absolutely voiceless. In the whole Brexit debate in general women’s debate in general women’s members feel absolutely voiceless. In the whole Brexit ‘Our voices have been and they’ve voices have been fairly minimal and certainly rural women’s been relying on us to try and communicate for them. information because they The other thing our members are looking for is accurate another orange and green issue in which the political it’s very much feel that they are.. views it became very different very different views. And because they take parties take not how our members see it. … politicized… and yet that’s kind of information that our And also then the media are not necessarily providing the to be able to provide people members want. And that has been very challenging for us ‘The other thing I’ll say which is very, very important, is that we cannot take the civil society civil the take cannot we that is important, very very, is which say I’ll thing other ‘The organisations as being the leading lights for relationships and community and voluntary this as just read. for villages and towns, we cannot take on both sides of the border, and fear to reduce need to be facilitated resourced and need to be Those relationships which area an that’s … border. the across right relationships build to continue and tension process’ the border during the Brexit would need facilitated right across Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives (focus The Border into Brexit (focus group 3). as a model of representation was suggested by a participant as a model of representation was (interview 3). ‘rural parliament’

in one of the focus groups: ‘I believe there’s a European concept, it’s a rural parliament and I think that is something a European concept, it’s ‘I believe there’s …. It brings together rural groups, politicians, they act explore. that we definitely should that something is that think I on. so and development policy of terms in voice a like explored and perhaps it should be maybe an agriculture and rural should definitely be whether a safe space for people, parliament. Because farming is cross-border as well. It’s of course, Yes, it non-political. a safe space and keep you’re a unionist or a nationalist. It’s have do we it, on reflect you policies…When develop they as there, politicians need you independents, nationalists, a lot of politicians outside Belfast, in rural areas. Unionist, get the not happening. You republicans – but they really need to come together and it’s need to consider I feel. You feature as a voice, dominant voice maybe in Belfast, we don’t what that’s my worry, not getting lifted. That’s but it’s rural and the impact on the border, to get switched off to If you go around doors, talk to neighbours, they’re starting I see. ‘People really don’t feel they have anybody speaking for them. Again comes back to no feel they have anybody really don’t ‘People on paralysis – you’re sitting here waiting like It’s limited ability. and very little, Stormont really As people we can’t what the future is going to be. another country deciding on you know’ Westminster, going in in really change what’s You can’t influence it. … ‘I think at this crucial point you feel like there’s nobody speaking up for the country. nobody speaking up for the country. there’s feel like ‘I think at this crucial point you there in that respect, you know – the fact that there’s that you voted for are not People and education and other the fact that cuts are coming to health nobody in Stormont, to lobby anymore and nobody to speak up for you. services and that you’ve got nobody seems to be able to I do think that that position is really untenable but nobody … So, back’ break the deadlock to get them goes far beyond Brexit and to the nitty gritty of basic electoral politics and democratic politics and electoral basic gritty of to the nitty and beyond Brexit goes far responsibility: the in the North at the moment, have any proper administration don’t ‘The fact that we a for operated hasn’t fact actual in (which Belfast in parliament a have don’t we that fact services and detriment. And in relation to now) – that in itself is a serious couple of years being all these things are or whatever, of services, education, health the development and leaders really people should be finding …If good sense prevailed, seriously affected. keeping wounds with each other rather than a better accommodation should be finding open and division’ group 3). The idea of a

Looking Ahead Looking 72 Looking Ahead 75

etc. A few ‘madness’ , ‘absurd’ , (R403). A few who were not concerned ‘stupid’ , (R422) and others pointed to international (R127) (interview 8) ‘ludicrous’ , (R2). ‘ridiculous’ The general response can be summarised as a mix of disbelief and The general response can be ‘I’m sure folks on both sides will adjust. It would be just another It would be on both sides will adjust. ‘I’m sure folks ‘They do this in different states in the United States so [the effects here so [the States United in the in different states ‘They do this concern at the practical implications. One respondent’s answer reflects this combination answer reflects this One respondent’s concern at the practical implications. perfectly: they simply cannot conceive Many respondents simply answer with comments which show of such a scenario – ‘There is joint procurement operating between North and South, which generates which generates and South, between North operating is joint procurement ‘There the event of This value could be lost in and this is at a mature stage. economies of scale differently after Brexit’ things being done being available after Brexit’ ‘Medicines not etc.’ cross-border hospital appointments when shopping, medication, ‘Border patrols of one hour between one side of the border and the other ‘How might a time difference affect you, if at all?’ who regularly travels throughout the island of Ireland, and can see no benefit someone ‘As completely nonsensical, and to the British border on the island, this is something that is checking events, sporting concerts/ appointments/ to Travelling no one. benefit stands to factoring in a time difference into hotels/B&Bs - all of this would be thrown into chaos when across such a small land mass’ (R139). and UK the of potential the of that was survey the in raised we that topic additional An This arises time zones for part of the year. being in different Ireland (as an EU member-state) clock seasonal to abolish has put forward a proposal from the fact that the EU Commission by voted in favour of the proposal March 2019 the European Parliament changes. On 26th an official position on Ireland Civil Service has not yet taken 410 MEPs to 192. The Northern a watching brief should there be any signs of movement. the proposal but are maintaining on the potential impacts of with various stakeholders The Irish Government has consulted principle in whilst that, was study that of conclusion The savings. daylight of abolition the a change in daylight savings, this was inconceivable if it Irish people were in favour of side of the border. meant a time difference on either survey: the in question the asked we region, border the in opinion public assess to order In Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives respondents suggested that the challenge would not be insurmountable. One respondent would not be insurmountable. that the challenge respondents suggested from Sligo stated, to trade’ and another barrier inconvenience away one’ Just need to add or take would be] none. examples, e.g. e.g. examples, (R21) (R19). (R79) The Border into Brexit ‘there is no honest no is ‘there , (R60) ‘everything’ (interview 6). . For example: (R174) ‘issues are not take seriously’ ‘issues are not take (R286). , and

Healthcare was also frequently mentioned as part of a group of cross-border services that Healthcare was also frequently mentioned as part of a group the question of healthcare, to Separate but linked are perceived to be under threat by Brexit. of respondents: by a number concern over access to medication was expressed ‘Access to medicine and medicinal products including recognition of drugs/legal status of to medicine and medicinal products ‘Access medications acquired over the border and professional bodies/recognition’ ‘The disparities in health inequality continue to be ignored at public service and civil ‘The disparities in health inequality continue to be ignored afoot’ stark with brexit service and government level, these are set to become more ‘British have not considered anything Irish related seriously’ ‘British have not considered anything them but the powers involved appear not to take ‘I think the issues have been highlighted into account’ ‘There are no issues around Brexit [that are] being addressed in this area – we are [that are] Brexit ‘There are no issues around completely unprepared’ border in the event of No Deal is still not being taken ‘The reality of the need for a hard a border’ how they square the circle without nobody will honestly explain seriously, What issues relating to Brexit require require Brexit relating to What issues discussion further there were asking respondents whether concluded with a question Our online survey that they felt are not currently being to the impact of Brexit issues relating any particular consider important for the border region. Even though addressed, yet which they would majority the discussion, further issues needed that no indicated 10 respondents 1 in nearly were all-encompassing, e.g. of responses made points that with the right information and not to actually frighten them even more. …there’s been so been so …there’s them even more. frighten and not to actually right information with the coming out at the other end’ much uncertainty A more specific, frequently mentioned response included concern with the future of A more specific, frequently mentioned response included on the supply of drugs and medication: and its particular effects healthcare after Brexit discussion’

Looking Ahead Looking 74 Looking Ahead 77 (R411). (interview 6). It is our hope that research of this nature and at this time, a report like this which seeks this which seeks a report like It is our hope that research of this nature and at this time, a positive Region can make to summarise and relay findings from the Central Border otherwise unheard. And, contribution towards amplifying the voices of those who feel and of their concerns in turn, can thus go some way towards improving understanding now – as the UK and, thus, strengthening the means of addressing them if action is taken the Irish border region, moves further into Brexit. Thirdly, the challenges for business were noted, especially given that businesses in the that businesses especially given were noted, for business the challenges Thirdly, sides of the and competitors on both work with suppliers, customers border region often border: months a year time zones operated for six an area elsewhere where dual ‘I have lived in will become Travel two appointment books. Businesses will have to have and it was hell. it will also using public transport and - especially for those unnecessarily complicated schools, work and deliveries’ impact things like increasing difficulty in managing cross-border movement Overall, the concern was that Given the to attempt to do so. people to be less likely and coordination will simply lead to the growth of the economy and the embedding importance of cross-border movement any additional difficulty can be seen as having a longer-term of peace in the border region, negative consequence. from all the research data gathered in this one thing that remains overriding Perhaps in the Central Border Region and uncertainty that exists project is the sense of insecurity As one interviewee working in a rural of Brexit. when it comes to the overall consequences this leads to a silence and a lack of voice that causes civic organisation clearly articulated, longer term harm and risk. amongst our members that the things that they want to a lot of frustration ‘I think there’s … and very all about trucks discussed. It’s are not being talk about in regards to Brexit very and people are very, lives people and real people’s little about the impact on real fearful. she said from a unionist community, actually one of our members said to me, know, You are People an issue. talk about. I think that’s become one more thing we can’t just it’s camp or the other politically, nearly afraid to talk about it because you are seen as one one of the biggest political things with a potential to impact on and yet it’s with a big P, it is a lot more emotive and our lives for generations. And yet because of our history people are scared to talk about it’ Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit ‘In the long term we will be in a term we will ‘In the long (R417). (R61). (R187). (R409). (R70) (R397). (R474)

‘It could affect those who are dependent on cross border public transport. It could also ‘It could affect those who are dependent on cross border well as the farming community affect children attending school in the other jurisdictions as and many cross community in respect of bulk milk collections and abattoir services projects’ ‘It would mean that my life would be totally disrupted as I tend to go across the border for ‘It would mean that my life would be totally disrupted as I tend added an be would difference time The occasions. sporting and entertainment shopping, complication which would lead to more separation’ ‘Complete nightmare!!! Not even sure how you could function in that circumstance when circumstance that in function could you how sure even Not nightmare!!! ‘Complete it wasn’t Funny if two watches?! work! Wear times a day for border 6 crossing the you’re so serious.” ‘Doesn’t even bear thinking about. I have children who I regularly go to schools events schools to go regularly I who children have I about. thinking bear even ‘Doesn’t my on pressure put would zones time Different border]. the of side other [on with etc. family time as well as work time.’ ‘Ridiculous. 30,000 people a day cross that border every single day for work. Thousands work. for day single every border that cross day a people 30,000 ‘Ridiculous. you imagine time deliveries or catch ferries. Can to make of freight traffic cross the border my dad to hospital appointments in a different Just crossing the border to take the chaos? time zone.’ ‘It would mean my husband starts work at 7.30 in Ireland and I start work at 8 in the UK in Ireland and I start work my husband starts work at 7.30 ‘It would mean very early or very drive; one of us is going to be either but we use the one car as he can’t late’ saw it as being surpassed by a successful border poll: border poll: by a successful being surpassed saw it as Public transport is a particular concern, often tied into worries about the knock-on effects about the knock-on Public transport is a particular concern, often tied into worries on other aspects of daily life and business in the border region: Secondly, the difficulty of managing a time differential when you are crossing a border so the difficulty of managing Secondly, frequently is also raised: United Ireland, so does not matter’ United Ireland, The main reasons for viewing the matter as potentially problematic come under three potentially problematic come for viewing the matter as The main reasons movement, frequency of cross-border managing in the home, themes: coordination household given within one commitments First, coordinating for business. challenges of life: cross-border nature

Looking Ahead Looking 76 Looking Ahead 79 Ireland. We also do not know how many of the other practical issues raised by respondents respondents by raised issues practical other the of many how know not do also We Ireland. policies, data-sharing, or in terms of environmental e.g. will be affected, in this research out. be worked There is so much yet to security cooperation. what the legal effect, the EU is to take the divorce of the UK from In sum, even though And this years to be revealed. going to take is between them will be like new relationship the practical between Northern Ireland and will not only affect relations new relationship relations between Britain and it will also change the Irish land border, significance of Borders all around of the Irish Sea border. and the practical significance Northern Ireland towards a with the general trend being be under pressure, Northern Ireland are going to hardening effect. more be will east-west, and north-south cooperation, and trust-building this, of light In of such relationship-building and the models and examples And important than ever. demonstrated in recent years in the Central Border Region communication that have been be should – up ground the from representation, of levels various at and forms various in – ones to inspire and to build upon. Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit

As we finalised this report, the results of the General Election of 12 December 2019 of 12 December Election General results of the this report, the finalised As we is now no party means that there The large majority for the Conservative became known. by on 17 October being ratified published Agreement to the Withdrawal obvious obstacle contains the This EU on 31 January 2020. the time for the UK to exit in the UK Parliament arrangements specific that means which Ireland, Northern / Ireland on Protocol revised into play at the end of the transition period (currently set for for Northern Ireland will come in the movement of goods to which this will mean friction 31 December 2020). The extent Ireland cannot yet be determined. It is notable that all between Great Britain and Northern on a platform of opposition to this process – either from 18 MPs in Northern Ireland stood or from that of a desire to see Alliance) (Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the standpoint of Remain substantial common ground There is, therefore, the Withdrawal Agreement renegotiated. their capacity to act from that common ground MPs, although between all Northern Ireland’s pro-Withdrawal in a small minority vis-à-vis the pro-Leave, is limited by the fact that they are of Commons. Agreement majority in the House and the from the EU, risk of a No Deal exit There is minimal What does this all mean? legal and sure a is there that means ratified being Agreement Withdrawal the in Protocol worst fears about a hard Irish land border come without seeing the way of managing Brexit at and controls for customs or product standards for checks to pass. There will be no need resources procedures or no need for new physical infrastructure, and thus the land border, there will be consequences of However, the border. for the movement of goods across Ireland will no that are still felt in the border region, not least because Northern Brexit be won’t this of consequences the of extent full The member-state. EU an of part be longer relationship is settled, and that could be some years away. known until the future UK-EU end of the transition period. there is also a possibility of a No Deal at the And, of course, the hardest impact will be on the movement of goods between however, In that scenario, Ireland de facto being Britain and Northern Ireland, given that the Protocol sees Northern for goods. customs union and single market in the EU’s there will also be consequences from the policies that are made by In addition to Brexit, These may movement. an impact on cross-border that have government the Conservative UK, which could in right to live and work in the of people and their cover the movement Travel Area, and potentially both experience of movement around the Common turn affect rights’ policies which affect human It may see the land border and the Irish Sea border. consequences for Northern protections and enforcement in the UK and this too will have The lay of the land after ‘the Brexit ‘the Brexit of the land after The lay election’

Looking Ahead Looking 78 Appendix 1:The Border Into Brexit online survey 81 ...... would not have done there something you have done or are planning to do that you otherwise? ...... examples. Please give specific of Brexit? ...... 3. Gender 4. Citizenship 5. the EU in June 2016? membership of UK’s How did you vote in the referendum on the Leave Remain Abstained Did not have a vote 6a. Prefer not to say is Specifically, on you and on your plans? already having (if any) is Brexit What impact 6b. planning to do as a result done or are NO LONGER Is there something you have NOT Survey questions Survey 1. Area of residence * 2. age group you are in * Please tell us what Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit scenario on the Central Border Region. We We Region. scenario on the Central Border ‘No Deal’

With Brexit drawing nearer, we invite you to complete a 10 to 15-minute survey on the on survey 15-minute to a 10 complete to you we invite nearer, drawing Brexit With and a possible impact of Brexit Preamble to survey Appendix 1: Appendix Into Brexit The Border survey online welcome responses from anyone living or working in the areas of Armagh City Banbridge welcome responses from anyone Mid Ulster; Monaghan; Fermanagh and Omagh; Leitrim; and Craigavon; Cavan; Donegal; and Sligo. [… ] and discussions on the account of recent developments This follow-on study aims to take is It 2019. 31st of October date exit the before months two a mere border Irish the of issue study. a non-political and non-partisan Central the from people of group possible widest the from responses gather to keen are We is to create an opportunity for the voices of local The purpose of the study Border Region. to be heard. people on both sides of the border with strict research All data from the survey and focus groups will be gathered in accordance ethics and will remain anonymous. […]

Appendix 1: The Border Into Brexit online survey online Brexit Into Border The 1: Appendix 80 Appendix 1:The Border Into Brexit online survey 83 European Council meeting in October. If you could give a message to the UK and EU to the UK and give a message If you could in October. meeting European Council would it be? what that meeting, in one sentence, governments at ...... need? ...... and which you would consider important for your are not currently being addressed area? ...... Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives 12. 12. final be the UK’s what might released before survey will be findings of this The 13. would region border the think you do representation of level or what type Brexit, After 14. feel you that Brexit of impact the to relating issues particular any there are Finally, The Border into Brexit Brexit make to you, compared make Brexit ‘No Deal’ Brexit in the border region will differ from Brexit ‘No Deal’ to Brexit with a deal? to Brexit ...... other parts of the UK and Ireland? ...... How might a time difference state) will be in different time zones for part of the year. you, if at all? of one hour between one side of the border and the other affect ...... by Brexit? Please suggest up to three aspects and briefly explain why. and briefly suggest up to three aspects Please by Brexit? ...... 5: much more less likely, scale 1-5 1: much than you thought last year? Likert likely likely......

10b. How do you think the effects of a 11. EU member- an (as Ireland UK and the time, years’ few in a that, a possibility is There 7. 7. be most affected to you expect for you in the border region would What aspects of life 8. mean to you. what a hard border would Please describe in one sentence 9a. (between Ireland and Northern Ireland) is more or less Do you think a hard border 9b. Please give reasons for your answer. 10a. does the prospect of a if any, What difference,

Appendix 1:The Border Into Brexit online survey survey online Brexit Into Border 1:The Appendix 82 Appendix 2:Theme guides for interviewing 85 Please explain briefly what is the nature of your work in the organisation you represent? nature of your work in the organisation briefly what is the explain Please for your organisation? subject of Brexit is the you say, How important, would are involved in? And for the sector you process had on your organisation? has the Brexit What impact, if any, process had on your wider sector? has the Brexit What impact, if any, of such (an) impact(s) Can you provide some examples as a result of such current impacts? Have you had to change any plans – what are your thoughts on this? How might the new Protocol impact and which is particularly impacting being discussed so much, isn’t Is there anything that upon your organisation and sector? would wish to add on the subject? Is there anything finally which you

f f f f f f f f f f Individual stakeholder interview guide interview stakeholder Individual Perspectives from Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland Communities in the Central Border Region from Local Perspectives The Border into Brexit Finally, are there any particular issues relating to the impact of Brexit that you feel are are there any particular issues relating to the impact of Brexit Finally, important for your area? not currently being addressed and which you would consider Can you give specific examples? Can you give specific there upsides/positive effects? Are by PM negotiated Agreement Withdrawal revised has the if any, difference, What for of the consequences of Brexit government made on your expectations Johnson’s the border region? Has the unfolding of Brexit been as you expected or have there been dynamics you or have there been been as you expected Has the unfolding of Brexit had not anticipated? observed? already have you that region border the on Brexit of the impacts are What Is it different/distinctive and worth particularly considering in light of Brexit? If so, how? If so, and worth particularly considering in light of Brexit? Is it different/distinctive to you? Why/how does the border matter What does the border region mean to you? What does the border region mean

f f f f f f f f f Focus group guide In conducting the focus groups and individual stakeholder interviews we used theme guides theme used we interviews stakeholder individual and groups focus the conducting In would cover all questions This ensured that the discussion questionnaire. rather than a set explore themes that to depth, and that there was flexibility in greater we wanted to explore of participants. experiences reflecting the different professional arose naturally, Appendix 2: Appendix interviewing guides for Theme

Appendix 2: Theme guides for interviewing for guides Theme 2: Appendix 84 Appendix 3: Codes used in referencing data

Focus Group codes

We conducted five focus groups containing participants covering areas on both sides of the border in the region. There was an average of 7 participants at each focus group.

The code used for these groups in the referencing is as follows: Caledon (Co. Tyrone) (focus group 1) Glenfarne (Co. Leitrim) (focus groups 2 and 3) Pettigo (Co. Donegal) (focus group 4) Appendix 3: Codes used in referencing data Castle Saunderson (Co. Cavan) (focus group 5)

Interview codes

Interview 1: business sector Interview 2: local council official Interview 3: community and voluntary sector, local partnership Interview 4: business sector Interview 5: community and voluntary sector, umbrella Interview 6: community and voluntary sector, umbrella Interview 7: community and voluntary sector Interview 8: public sector (health) Interview 9: business sector Interview 10: public sector (business) Interview 11: public sector (tourism) Interview 12: migrant community sector

86 The Border into Brexit Dr. Katy Hayward THE School of Social Sciences Queen’s University Belfast 6 College Park Belfast, Northern Ireland BORDER BT7 1LP INTO T: +44 (0) 28 9097 3189 E: [email protected] W: go.qub.ac.uk/hayward BREXIT: : @hayward_katy Perspectives from Local Mr Shane Campbell Communities in the Central ICBAN Ltd. Border Region of Ireland/ Enniskillen Business Centre Northern Ireland 21 Lackaghboy Road Enniskillen Co Fermanagh Northern Ireland The eight Member Councils areas of the BT74 4RL Central Border Region include Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon; Fermanagh and T: +44 (0) 28 6634 0710 Omagh; Mid Ulster and the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo. E: [email protected] W: www.icban.com

This ICBAN initiative is part of the Border Navigator Project, working with Queen’s University Belfast and enabled through funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Reconciliation Fund.

Design & Artwork www.csgwd.com December 2019