‘Sinn Féin will continue to argue against damaging HGV Levy’ – Boylan

Newry & Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has said that Sinn Féin will continue to argue against the ‘damaging’ HGV Levy on Road Hauliers based in the 26 Counties crossing the border.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan

The MLA also criticised the environment minister for supporting the controversial levy.

Commenting after The Assembly Environment Committee voted to introduce a levy on hauliers crossing the border and a financial penalty for non-compliance the MLA said, “The HGV levy imposed by Westminster and now backed by the environment minister, is a barrier to north/south mobility and trade.

“This legislation does not take into account the particular circumstances of the island of Ireland. It penalises hauliers from the 26 counties who come to do business in the North.”

Confirming that Sinn Féin MLAs on the Environment Committee had voted against the introduction of what he described as ‘unfair legislation’, he continued “It is disappointing to see SDLP MLAs backing legislation which is in violation of the spirit of north/south co-operation.

“We will now be faced with the situation where hauliers will face border patrols, enforced and implemented by Mark H Durkan’s department.”

The Sinn Féin representative added, “We will be using the legislative process to prevent this unfair and unnecessary legislation being passed by the Assembly.”

South Armagh Councilor Terry Hearty echoing his colleagues sentiments said, “This levy raises money that will go into the British Exchequer. It will be of no benifit to citizens living here.

“The development of the all-Ireland economy is key to our growing the economy across the island. We should be seeking to remove barriers to assist the all-Ireland economy, not adding more.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Sep 24 2014. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry