McMurray supports increased borrowing powers for Trust Ports with strong community accountability
Alliance South Down MLA and Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew McMurray has responded to a Department for Infrastructure (DfI) consultation on a review of Trust Ports in Northern Ireland, which includes Warrenpoint Port.
The Department’s proposals include seeking a change to the way Trust Ports are classified by the Office for National Statistics.
Although Trust Ports don’t receive any public funding, their borrowing currently counts against DfI’s Capital Delegated Expenditure Limit (CDEL) budget – the maximum amount the Department can spend on Capital works, such as new roads, trains, or wastewater infrastructure.xa0
Trust Ports can borrow up to a certain limit, £2.5m in the case of Warrenpoint, beyond which DfI can block further borrowing.
Reclassification would improve ports’ ability to borrow and invest, making them more commercially competitive. However, the move would also require reduced Departmental oversight.
Mr McMurray stated: “It’s important that our Trust Ports are able to compete effectively in a commercially competitive environment, and I am supportive of their reclassification in principle.
“With DfI budgets falling well below what is needed, the current arrangements significantly constrain Trust Ports and the Department alike.
“Trust Ports have long asked for reclassification, which would could make a significantly positive difference supporting economic growth, tourism and decarbonisation in the surrounding area.
“Our Trust Ports operate, to varying degrees, in close proximity to local communities and residential areas. In the case of Warrenpoint, the port is in close proximity to an economic centre in the town, but also to residential areas, and as such we need to ensure that everyone’s interests are taken into account.
“Experience from other jurisdictions shows that reclassification can actually be used to strengthen community representation and accountability.
“If reclassification is pursued, the Executive must ensure that ports are fully accountable for their activity, including to the communities in which they are situated. I will be closely scrutinising the proposals when they are presented to the Infrastructure Committee and the Assembly.”
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