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Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has praised the work of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners during a visit to the Port of Belfast.
The Minister said: “The Port of Belfast is a major economic asset for the North and I am delighted to have this opportunity today to see the scale of the operations and facilities at the Port and to discuss with the Chairman and his management team a number of important issues which are facing the ports industry.”
On July 5, the Port revealed plans for an investment programme up to 2025 totalling £630million. Referring to the recent announcement by the Port on future development plans Mr Murphy said: “I congratulate the Port and Harbour Commissioners on their continued success and on their drive and determination to develop the port as a key economic driver. The future investment plans which the Port has identified as part of their Corporate Plan are a clear demonstration of the Port’s commitment to support the continued growth of our economy.”
During the visit, the Minister toured the Port facilities by boat accompanied by the Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners, Len O’Hagan and Chief Executive Roy Adair.
The Minister also referred to the ongoing Review of Ports Policy, noting: “A successful ports industry is crucial to the success of our economy, not only as the main gateways for our imports and exports, but also as a catalyst for economic regeneration. My overriding aim through the Ports Policy Review is to ensure that we have a thriving and efficient port sector, and a trust port sector which is appropriately accountable for the important public assets it controls. I look forward, in my capacity as Regional Development Minister, to working with all the commercial ports across the North as we consider how to ensure that their full potential is realised.”
The Port of Belfast handles 60% of Northern Ireland’s sea borne trade and is a vital gateway for raw materials, exports and consumer goods for the entire island.
The Port’s 2006-2010 Corporate Plan envisages an investment programme of £140million over this period.
Plans for an investment programme up to 2025 totalling £630million were unveiled in July.
(SP/JM)
