PHYSICAL inspections of good lorries subject to Irish Sea border checks are entering the north unhindered, despite Northern Ireland Protocol requirements.
Under the Brexit agreement some goods vehicles carrying certain goods are subject to physical checks carried out by a combination of local council and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) staff.
Goods such as meat, fish and dairy products are all normally subjected to the inspections.
Physical checks were suspended at he Larne Port on Monday after Mid and East Antrim withdrew 12 environmental health staff amid fears for their safety.
Later that day the Department of Agriculture (DAERA) also suspended physical checks at ports in Larne and Belfast.
European Union officials were also withdrawn yesterday.
Despite a requirement for checks to be carried out sources say that lorries arriving at both Belfast and Larne were allowed to travel on to their destinations unhindered yesterday.
A spokesman for DAERA last night confirmed physical inspections have been ceased but "documentary checks" have continued.
“On the basis of information received, and pending further discussions with the PSNI, DAERA has decided in the interests of the wellbeing of staff to temporarily suspend physical inspections of Products of Animal Origin at Larne and Belfast," he said.
"The situation will be kept under review and in the meantime full documentary checks will continue to be carried out as usual.”
The department did not respond to questions about Warrenpoint Port.
A spokeswoman for Warrenpoint Port said "it continues to expect to operate normally.
"In relation to SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) related activities, we would refer you back to the lead agency, DAERA," she said.
A spokesperson for Belfast Harbour said: “At present, trade is continuing as normal through Belfast Port.
"Belfast Harbour will continue to monitor the situation and work with our partners to ensure the smooth flow of goods into and out of Northern Ireland.”
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said a small team of officials help with checks at Belfast Port.
“Belfast City Council is working in close partnership with DAERA and FSA (Food Standards Agency) to implement the new regulations.
"A small team of BCC officers are supporting these checks at Belfast Port, with a 24/7 operation in place.
"We are basing our operational decisions on information received from the PSNI.
We are continually assessing the ongoing situation and have regular contact with PSNI and the Harbour Police.”
John Martin, policy manager at The Road Haulage Association, said his concerns centre on how the industry will be impacted.
"From my perspective and the RHA it's not about politics and Article 16, it's about the impact on logistics and the economy," he said.
