Concerns have been raised that a no-deal Brexit would have a severe impact on the Irish construction industry.

Currently 80 percent of cement used in the construction materials sector in the north is sourced from the south.

Sinn Féin infrastructure spokesperson Philip McGuigan spoke out regarding the concerns of any potential changes to the current free flow of workforce, products, materials and contracts as a result of Brexit.

Philip McGuigan said: "I share the concerns that many in our construction industry have about the damage a no deal Brexit will have.

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"The construction industry is an industry that is crucial to the economy and prosperity of the north and it is clear that any changes to the current free flow of workforce, products, materials and contracts as a result of Brexit will have a negative impact.

"There is currently a seamless flow of industry workforce, building products, materials, contracts and industry qualifications across the island of Ireland and this must be allowed to continue.

"On an island this size the construction industry is interwoven across the island in all aspects."

He continued: "Companies from the north have long depended on the ability to win contracts and work in the South, building and maintaining roads as well as other major infrastructure projects. Other firms have been able to supply products.

"It is also well recognised that companies here need to have the ability to employ staff from EU countries as they currently do and we cannot allow any no-deal Brexit to jeopardise this."

(CM)