Business lobby group Ibec has unveiled a new poster campaign aimed at highlighting the case for Britain to remain in the EU, targeting travellers passing through Dublin Airport.

Ahead of the referendum on membership of the European Union, which is set to take place on June 23rd, Ibec is appealing to voters in Britain with Irish family and business connections, highlighting the economic ties between the two countries and the risk it would pose if the UK left.

“Deep political, cultural, geographic and commercial ties mean Ireland has a lot to lose if the UK votes to leave,” said Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy.

“Not only will the UK economy suffer, Ireland will also be very badly affected. The UK’s EU membership is of key strategic importance to Ireland and Irish business. We have been close allies in Europe across a wide range of areas and we are stronger when we work together. An EU without the UK would be a lesser union.”

‘Uncharted’

Mr McCoy warned a vote in favour of an exit would leave Ireland, Britain and Europe in “uncharted and treacherous waters”, pointing to the risk to the value of sterling and the pressure it would put on businesses trading with the UK.

It could also undermine free trade, he said, bringing uncertainty to Irish firms involved with business in the UK in the interim, and impact regulatory environments.

Despite speculation that a UK exit would lead to more investment for Ireland as firms sought an alternative home within the European Union, Mr McCoy said any benefits would be outweighed by barriers to business.