Ministers view wind turbine construction line

Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, and Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, today visited the Harland and Wolff shipyard to view the wind turbine assembly line.

The company has a proven track record in the provision of support services to the off-shore wind industry and in the development of experimental tide and wave power generators.

After the visit Minister Poots said: “The experience of Harland and Wolff shows that renewable energy development will not only help the environment, but can provide significant opportunities for local firms to use their extensive skills and knowledge base to help develop a local renewable energy industry.”

Minister Poots added that he looked forward to bringing a new Planning Policy Statement on Renewable Energy, PPS18, to the Executive in the near future. He said: “This policy acknowledges the potential to develop an indigenous renewable energy industry and provides a range of opportunities to support the Northern Ireland economy.”

Arlene Foster said: “Harland & Wolff continues to successfully exploit the growing potential for renewables. Its presence within the off-shore renewable energy sector, in particular, has gone from strength to strength.

“The work being carried out at Harland & Wolff highlights Northern Ireland’s position as a leading region within the renewable energy sector - a sector which continues to offer much potential for the Northern Ireland economy, including the creation of employment opportunities within the construction and manufacturing industries.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries has an annual turn over of £25million and employs up to 500 people at any given time. It maintains a strong manufacturing foothold in ship-building and has compatible projects in the Offshore, Civil, Renewable Energy and Design Engineering Sectors.

2. It offers a broad range of services including design engineering; structural engineering; ship repair; ship and offshore building; work on behalf of the renewable energy industry in the offshore wind, tide and wave power generation sectors; offers modular construction; and has a marine vessel and offshore unit tasked with recovery and recycling.

3. For media enquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 0769971 5440 and your call will be returned.