The UK Government has published its response to the freeports consultation from earlier this year which the NI Tax Committee responded to in April 2020. As recommended by the NI Tax Committee, the Government response confirms that at least one freeport will be located in Northern Ireland. It also confirms that freeports will be subject to a number of special tax reliefs and incentives several of which were also recommendations of the Committee.

The location of any freeports in Northern Ireland (and the other devolved Governments) will be determined collectively by both the UK Government and the devolved administration and will aim to align objectives, processes and timescale where possible.