They were also joined by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP.
Dr Paisley said: “Northern Ireland is very much open for business and, like this new terminal, offers a hearty welcome to all. In this ultra-modern facility we can see a tangible commitment to developing a prosperous future by two key players in the Northern Ireland economy: Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Stena Line.”
Mr McGuinness said: “I commend Belfast Harbour Commissioners for this investment. This is part of an ambitious £630million investment programme planned up to 2025, which will secure the port’s position as the leading distribution hub and trading gateway for the North of Ireland.”
Noting the recently-announced outcome of the review of policy on the trust ports, Mr McGuinness continued: “I believe that the policy course mapped out from that review will enable all our trust ports, such as here in Belfast, to continue to thrive and develop and serve our growing economy effectively”.
Welcoming the participation of Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP at the opening ceremony Dr Paisley said: “It is right, given the many economic, cultural and family bonds between Scotland and Northern Ireland that our two administrations work to strengthen our transport linkages through mutual cooperation.”
The £37million three-storey 35,000 square foot facility has been built by Belfast Harbour Commissioners on a 32-acre site of reclaimed land close to Fortwilliam, two miles downstream from the existing Donegall Quay terminal.
As part of the scheme, Belfast Harbour Commissioners are also funding the construction of a new dual carriageway link road from the M2 at Fortwilliam to the Harbour Estate for greater ease of access to the port.
Notes to Editors:
1. First Minister Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP, MLA and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MP, MLA joined today with Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP as guests of honour at the official opening of Stena Line’s new £37m passenger and freight terminal at the Port of Belfast.
2. The official ceremony was co-hosted by Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Stena Line at the new terminal located at Victoria Terminal 4 (VT4) in the Belfast Harbour Estate. Len O’Hagan, Chairman Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Dan Sten Olsson, Chairman of Stena hosted the event.
3. Stena Line operations out of Belfast include an HSS fast ferry service to Stranraer, as well as a conventional ferry service. It is the busiest passenger route on the Irish Sea.
Ports Policy
4. The Department for Regional Development (DRD) is responsible for ports policy and sets the legislative framework within which all ports operate in Northern Ireland.
5. Conor Murphy MP, MLA Minister for Regional Development announced his conclusions to the Ports Policy Review on 29 February 2008. These conclusions, which were endorsed by the Executive, are (i) that trust ports should be given a range of extended commercial powers; (ii) the intention to seek that they should cease to be public corporations; and (iii) that the trust ports should operate in an accountable and transparent manner.
6. A Harbours Bill, associated subordinate legislation and a revised Code of Practice are being drafted.The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to have the new harbours legislation in place by January 2009.
7. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
