25/09/2001

Duke of York visits Coleraine and Carrickfergus

The Duke of York’s first public engagement on a one-day visit to Northern Ireland was the official opening Coleraine Borough Council’s new Civic Headquarters.

Prince Andrew was met by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County, Mr Dennis Desmond, who introduced Mrs Florence Sloan Sheriff for County Londonderry, Councillor John Dallat, Mayor, Coleraine Borough Council and Mr Wavell Moore, Chief Executive of the Council.

The Prince was also greeted by Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey, Minister for the Environment Sam Foster, NIO Minister Des Browne, and MP Gregory Campbell.

Accompanied by the Mayor and the Chief Executive Prince Andrew toured the new facility where he met staff in the various departments and was introduced to members of the Council and invited guests.

The Duke of York then met some 100 school children and teachers from schools in the Borough in the Bann Disc Garden.

Prince Andrew had lunch at Hillsborough Castle with representatives of the Outward Bound Trust and their guests.

The Prince’s last visit of the day was a visit to Carrickfergus Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), a Japanese-owned company celebrating their tenth anniversary of production in Northern Ireland.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the County, Colonel James Leslie introduced Mr John Wallace, Sheriff for County Antrim, Alderman William Ashe, the Mayor of Carrickfergus Borough Council, Mr Roy Beggs and Sir Reg Empey.

His Royal Highness met Mr John Hughes, Managing Director, Mr Shuichi Mizoue, Sales Manager together with other members of the senior management team at Ryobi and was briefed about the company and its operation in Northern Ireland.

The Industrial Development Board–backed company is the European manufacturing operation of Hiroshima-based Ryobi and is the leading supplier for automotive components such as clutch and transmission casings.

His Royal Highness later joined the board meeting of British Trade International at Hillsborough Castle which was his final engagement before leaving the province. (SP)

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