Menu
18/09/2001
Campbell welcomes inquiry report into Belfast Harbour
Regional Development minister Gregory Campbell has welcomed the report from the Regional Development Committee’s inquiry into the Titanic Quarter leases in Belfast harbour.
Speaking during an Assembly debate on Monday 17 September, Mr Campbell said: “I will obviously want to consider each of the report’s recommendations carefully and would intend to respond to the Committee on these in due course.
“However, none of the recommendations come as a particular surprise to me, indeed many of them stem from discussions I have had with the Committee extending over several months. In general terms, I regard them as a reasonable and sensible set of proposals.”
The minister added that he believed that a Memorandum of Understanding, which came into effect on August 1, together with the package of measures designed to improve public accountability, heralded a new beginning in terms of the relationship between Belfast Harbour Commissioners and other trust ports and elected representatives.
Following the publication of the report, the chairman of the Regional Development Committee Alban Maginnis called for the Harbour Commissioners to be held more “accountable to the department and the Assembly”.
Mr Campbell further echoed Mr Maginness’ sentiments in the Assembly on Monday and added: “I have no doubt lessons have been learned as a result of the inquiry. I believe however that we can now put the controversy surrounding the Titanic Quarter lease behind us and begin to look to a future in which greater commercial freedom will be balanced against improved public accountability.”
Referring to the long-running debate on the future of the Port of Belfast, Mr Campbell said he had reached the conclusion that the Port should remain as a trust port in the public sector, and as such, hoped that BHC and port users would now be able to plan the future development of the Harbour with greater confidence. (AMcE)
Speaking during an Assembly debate on Monday 17 September, Mr Campbell said: “I will obviously want to consider each of the report’s recommendations carefully and would intend to respond to the Committee on these in due course.
“However, none of the recommendations come as a particular surprise to me, indeed many of them stem from discussions I have had with the Committee extending over several months. In general terms, I regard them as a reasonable and sensible set of proposals.”
The minister added that he believed that a Memorandum of Understanding, which came into effect on August 1, together with the package of measures designed to improve public accountability, heralded a new beginning in terms of the relationship between Belfast Harbour Commissioners and other trust ports and elected representatives.
Following the publication of the report, the chairman of the Regional Development Committee Alban Maginnis called for the Harbour Commissioners to be held more “accountable to the department and the Assembly”.
Mr Campbell further echoed Mr Maginness’ sentiments in the Assembly on Monday and added: “I have no doubt lessons have been learned as a result of the inquiry. I believe however that we can now put the controversy surrounding the Titanic Quarter lease behind us and begin to look to a future in which greater commercial freedom will be balanced against improved public accountability.”
Referring to the long-running debate on the future of the Port of Belfast, Mr Campbell said he had reached the conclusion that the Port should remain as a trust port in the public sector, and as such, hoped that BHC and port users would now be able to plan the future development of the Harbour with greater confidence. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 May 2011
Belfast Harbour Publishes Corporate Plan 2011-2013
Belfast Harbour has published its new Corporate Plan for 2011-2013, detailing plans to invest £92m in capital projects related to the Port and Harbour Estate.
Belfast Harbour Publishes Corporate Plan 2011-2013
Belfast Harbour has published its new Corporate Plan for 2011-2013, detailing plans to invest £92m in capital projects related to the Port and Harbour Estate.
02 February 2011
Danish Firm To Breathe Life Into Belfast Harbour
There are around 150 construction jobs in the wind in Belfast's Harbour Estate, which is hoping to sign a deal with a Danish wind turbine company.
Danish Firm To Breathe Life Into Belfast Harbour
There are around 150 construction jobs in the wind in Belfast's Harbour Estate, which is hoping to sign a deal with a Danish wind turbine company.
30 October 2002
Prince Charles attends International business summit in Belfast
The Prince of Wales was in Belfast today to take part in the final day’s proceedings of the Youth Business International (YBI) Summit. On arrival at W5 at the Odyssey Complex, Prince Charles joined the YBI Advisory Group members during a discussion session.
Prince Charles attends International business summit in Belfast
The Prince of Wales was in Belfast today to take part in the final day’s proceedings of the Youth Business International (YBI) Summit. On arrival at W5 at the Odyssey Complex, Prince Charles joined the YBI Advisory Group members during a discussion session.
17 February 2020
Plans Submitted For £45m Belfast Film Studios Expansion
Belfast Harbour is to generate 1,250 jobs as it submits plans for a £45 million development of six new film and television studios.
Plans Submitted For £45m Belfast Film Studios Expansion
Belfast Harbour is to generate 1,250 jobs as it submits plans for a £45 million development of six new film and television studios.
28 January 2011
Cruise Liners Bound For Galway?
A consultation with the public on a €200 million plan for developing Galway Harbour began this week. It is looking into the redevelopment and the plans to move the port southward on land reclaimed from Galway Bay.
Cruise Liners Bound For Galway?
A consultation with the public on a €200 million plan for developing Galway Harbour began this week. It is looking into the redevelopment and the plans to move the port southward on land reclaimed from Galway Bay.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
