The head of the Revenue Commissioners has dismissed speculation that old customs posts are being restored for use after Brexit.

The question was posed to Niall Cody by Donegal TD Pearse Doherty at the Oireachtas Finance Committee this morning.

It’s after reports that building works are being carried out at a number of border posts in Donegal.

Niall Cody confirmed to the committee that there will be no customs posts along the border post-Brexit, and denied rumours that renovations are being carried out on their behalf.

He said: "We are not involved in the cleaning-up of any facilities. I hear about border posts being done up for us - I didn't even know that that work was done in those locations."

"Revenue is not planning for customs posts"

Meanwhile, Mr Cody also told the committee that an extra 400 staff are ready to come on stream to deal with the workload if there's a no-deal Brexit.

A 12-fold increase in customs paperwork is expected to be processed after Britain leaves the bloc.

Mr Cody explained that the customs process will happen online.

He said: "The Government has made clear that its overriding objective is to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. Revenue is not planning for customs posts on the land border."

He added that his organisation will provide whatever technical expertise and assistance that may be required during discussions with the EU if no deal is reached. 

Separately, the Garda Commissioner has this morning dismissed reports that 600 gardaí are to be taken off the beat to police the border.

Commissioner Drew Harris said the claims are 'entirely incorrect', and that he has not discussed the matter or considered the proposal.

Commissioner Harris added that the force is continuing to prepare for Brexit in line with Government policy.