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Mock customs posts set up along border during protests against Brexit checkpoints

Border Communities Against Brexit hold a protest on the M1 at Carrickarnon near the border between Newry and Dundalk. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com
Border Communities Against Brexit hold a protest on the M1 at Carrickarnon near the border between Newry and Dundalk. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Border Communities Against Brexit hold a protest on the M1 at Carrickarnon near the border between Newry and Dundalk. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

PROTESTERS have set up mock customs posts along the border to highlight concerns about the potential re-introduction of checkpoints in the wake of Brexit.

Campaigners gathered at four locations along the border, including Carrickarnon between Armagh and Louth, Lifford Bridge between Strabane and Lifford, Moy Bridge in Co Tyrone and at the crossing from Derry to Bridgend, Co Donegal.

It follows protests in October, all organised by campaign group Border Communities Against Brexit.

Both the Irish and British government have expressed the desire to maintain free travel on the island.

The peace process has seen the re-opening of roads previously closed and it is estimated that there are around 250 crossing points, a ten fold increase on the number of available routes during the Troubles.

However, it emerged last week that customs checkpoint locations are being scouted along the border by the Republic's government.

British prime minister Theresa May has previously said she wants to see a "seamless, frictionless border" when the UK leaves the EU.

Border Communities Against Brexit spokesman Declan Fearon said: "We do not believe what we are being told from Westminster that a hard border will not happen; Westminster is bluffing us.

"At the very least the British and Irish governments should publish now their Brexit Plan, on what are the key agreements they are seeking, and what support they have got from other European leaders."