Second Stage of the Harbours Bill debated in the Assembly
The Trust Harbours in Northern Ireland could be soon be empowered more by Assembly legislation to meet the various needs in the economy.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has led the debate at the Second Stage of the Harbours Bill as it makes its way through the Assembly.
Minister Kimmins outlined the main intention of the Bill was to enable the Ports at Belfast, Foyle, Coleraine and Warrenpoint to operate more efficiently and to help them strengthen their contribution to the regional economy.
Speaking in the Assembly debate the Minister said: “This Bill is the first step in implementing updates arising from a comprehensive review of Trust Ports. That review identified a number of challenges faced by my Department, Trust Ports and harbour authorities.
“It represents a measured and balanced package of reforms designed to modernise our ports, strengthen their independence, and unlock their full commercial potential – while retaining appropriate safeguards in the public interest.
“Taken as a whole, this Bill delivers on three key objectives:
• It enhances the independence of Trust Ports by removing outdated controls that are no longer appropriate.
• It supports ONS reclassification, ensuring that the governance framework reflects the true nature of the Ports.
• And it empowers our ports commercially, equipping them with the tools they need to compete, grow, and contribute to the regional economy.”
The Bill will be supported in part by subordinate legislation, specifically four Harbour Orders covering the ports of Belfast, Coleraine, Foyle and Warrenpoint.
These will provide ports with further enhanced independence and commercial powers, while ensuring that activities remain aligned with port-related objectives and protect the long-term financial sustainability of each port.
In respect to Warrenpoint and the environmental issues that have been a matter of public debate, the objectives set out above may give the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority more room to develop the port and finally get past the environmental controversy that has dogged the town for so long.
