The Border after Brexit: Local Community Experiences

THE BORDER AFTER BREXIT: Experiences of Local Communities in the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland

Background Information

  • Project Name: The Border Catalyst Project

  • Affiliated Institution: Queen’s University Belfast

  • Funding Source: Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund

  • Authors: Katy Hayward & Milena Komarova

  • Publication Date: October 2021

  • ISBN: 9781913643157

Table of Contents

  • Contents Overview: Includes sections on the project, Brexit impact, community experiences, and future concerns.

Executive Summary

The Project

  • Research focused on the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland, encompassing eight local authority areas:
      - Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon
      - Cavan
      - Donegal
      - Fermanagh and Omagh
      - Leitrim
      - Mid Ulster
      - Monaghan
      - Sligo

  • Involved a large online survey with 394 unique responses, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.

  • Monitored Brexit and the Protocol through a ‘temperature gauge’ of media stories and events from January to June 2021.

Key Findings from Research

  • Strong public engagement in Brexit discussions, with 85% of respondents stating that Brexit is currently important to them.

  • 48% observed that the significance of Brexit increased over the past year, mainly due to negative societal impacts and concerns regarding political stability.

  • Ongoing uncertainty fueled by a lack of clear information and compounded by COVID-19.

  • Political stability in Northern Ireland and cross-border cooperation emerged as significant concerns.

Salience of Brexit

  • Interest in Brexit heightened post-withdrawal.

  • 53% of respondents reported impacts worse than expected since 1 January 2021.

  • Main reported impact areas included supply chain issues and availability of goods, showcasing significant economic implications.

  • Societal impacts and concerns about peace were highlighted as more critical than economic concerns.

Persisting Uncertainty

  • Uncertainty Factors: Both political tensions and COVID-19 have exacerbated feelings of insecurity.

  • Many respondents pointed to difficulties in accessing clear information regarding cross-border entitlements and rights.

Concerns about Brexit and the Protocol

  • Political Stability Concerns:
      - 81% of respondents worried about the political stability of Northern Ireland.
      - 79% of respondents highlighted a lack of north-south cooperation as a concern.

Cross-border Cooperation

  • Covid-19 severely restricted cross-border access to services, affecting personal and community interactions, with 75% of respondents acknowledging this impact.

  • 90% viewed cross-border cooperation as essential for addressing shared challenges.

Perceptions of the Protocol

  • While some perceived potential positives of Brexit, many expressed disappointment regarding the Protocol's implementation.

  • Criticism primarily stemmed from perceived threats to sovereignty, political stability, and identity.

Experiences of Local Communities

  • Diverse Community Responses: Both community relations and identity issues were prevalent in responses, underlining a complex social fabric.

  • Concerns about societal divisions were particularly pronounced, highlighting fears of increased violence or unrest.

Community Tensions

  • Participants noted deteriorating community relations, with growing divisions linked to national identity and Brexit-related changes.

  • Instances of increasing hard-line views among youth were reported, indicating generational shifts potentially influenced by political narratives surrounding Brexit.

Future Outlook

  • Predominantly pessimistic feelings about the future were reported:
      - 57% of respondents feared the possibility of a hard border in the future.
      - 50% felt less optimistic than a year prior, particularly concerning community relations and cross-border cooperation.

Messages to Powers that Be

  • Many emphasized the need for unity and cooperation across political divides to ensure peace and stability.

  • Calls for implementing a comprehensive plan that includes discussions about potential policy changes and opportunities presented by Brexit were noted.

Appendix

  • Survey Questions and Focus Group Questions: Detailed survey and focus group questions utilized to gather data, covering demographics, Brexit impact, and community service access.

Conclusion

  • The findings capture a complex scenario of ongoing challenges and opportunities shaped by Brexit, with the local sentiment emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation. The risks of political instability and societal unrest continue to loom, necessitating proactive measures from all stakeholders involved in the border area's governance and community relations.