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26/07/2001
Report reveals Belfast harbour area needs road network improvements
Economic growth at the port of Belfast could well be hampered if much needed improvements to the surrounding road network fail to materialise.
Figures released on Wednesday July 25 by Belfast Harbour Commissioners show that the Belfast port has had a record trade year with turnover for the year at £22.5 million – up seven per cent from last year.
However in their annual report, Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners Frank Cushnahan said “inadequacies” in the current Westlink road network were threatening to undermine the true economic potential of the port.
Improvement plans to the road system were announced three years ago in an effort to curb the long tailbacks on the Westlink which represents the main artery to the port. Mr Cushnahan said his organisation had contributed to the public inquiry on the upgrading of the Westlink last year and it was hoped their proposals for both interim and permanent measures would assist in “achieving the urgent improvements necessary for this vital strategic access route.” As of yet, work has yet to begin on the improvements which include the building of flyovers at Broadway and Grosvenor roundabout.
Nevertheless the report shows a marked increase in profitability and cash generation. Roll-on/roll-off freight, container traffic, exports of aggregates and imports of timber and cement reached record levels, while new trades commenced in paper and steel imports.
The report shows almost 2 million passengers used the port in 2000, which was a slight decline on 1999’s record level due to a reduction in the overall market, but clearly shows Belfast remains the busiest passenger port in Ireland.
Last year, due to the challenge presented by the European Commission to Golden Shares, the Harbour Commissioners withdrew their Public Private Partnership proposals and opted for continuation as a Trust Port with extended powers and greater financial freedom.
Because of its trust status the port does not record a profit but it showed a surplus before tax of £11.8 million.
(AMcE)
Figures released on Wednesday July 25 by Belfast Harbour Commissioners show that the Belfast port has had a record trade year with turnover for the year at £22.5 million – up seven per cent from last year.
However in their annual report, Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners Frank Cushnahan said “inadequacies” in the current Westlink road network were threatening to undermine the true economic potential of the port.
Improvement plans to the road system were announced three years ago in an effort to curb the long tailbacks on the Westlink which represents the main artery to the port. Mr Cushnahan said his organisation had contributed to the public inquiry on the upgrading of the Westlink last year and it was hoped their proposals for both interim and permanent measures would assist in “achieving the urgent improvements necessary for this vital strategic access route.” As of yet, work has yet to begin on the improvements which include the building of flyovers at Broadway and Grosvenor roundabout.
Nevertheless the report shows a marked increase in profitability and cash generation. Roll-on/roll-off freight, container traffic, exports of aggregates and imports of timber and cement reached record levels, while new trades commenced in paper and steel imports.
The report shows almost 2 million passengers used the port in 2000, which was a slight decline on 1999’s record level due to a reduction in the overall market, but clearly shows Belfast remains the busiest passenger port in Ireland.
Last year, due to the challenge presented by the European Commission to Golden Shares, the Harbour Commissioners withdrew their Public Private Partnership proposals and opted for continuation as a Trust Port with extended powers and greater financial freedom.
Because of its trust status the port does not record a profit but it showed a surplus before tax of £11.8 million.
(AMcE)
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23 February 2011
Derry Port Faces Confiscation Over Waste
In the first confiscation order to have been obtained in the UK against a port authority, Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners, Foyle Recyclers and one of its directors were also fined a total of £14,000 for illegal waste offences at Londonderry Crown Court this week.
Derry Port Faces Confiscation Over Waste
In the first confiscation order to have been obtained in the UK against a port authority, Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners, Foyle Recyclers and one of its directors were also fined a total of £14,000 for illegal waste offences at Londonderry Crown Court this week.
07 October 2010
Poolbeg Incinerator Ready To Re-Start
The construction of a controversial incinerator could restart within months - giving a fresh impetus for the building trade - but hitting environmental protest groups hard at the same time.
Poolbeg Incinerator Ready To Re-Start
The construction of a controversial incinerator could restart within months - giving a fresh impetus for the building trade - but hitting environmental protest groups hard at the same time.
07 February 2011
Derry Port's Board Expands
It has been announced that two new names, Peter Sheridan and Dolores O'Reilly will join the Board of the Harbour Commissioners in Derry City. The NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said the appointments are for a four year period.
Derry Port's Board Expands
It has been announced that two new names, Peter Sheridan and Dolores O'Reilly will join the Board of the Harbour Commissioners in Derry City. The NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said the appointments are for a four year period.
20 April 2004
Good year for Tesco as profits top £1.6bn
It has been a good year for the supermarket retailer Tesco which has seen pre-tax profits soar to £1.6 billion, according to the group's full-year preliminary statement issued today. In addition to driving up pre-tax margins by 17.6%, the company said that it had slashed its debts by £600 million, down to £4.1 billion. In the UK, sales grew by 14.
Good year for Tesco as profits top £1.6bn
It has been a good year for the supermarket retailer Tesco which has seen pre-tax profits soar to £1.6 billion, according to the group's full-year preliminary statement issued today. In addition to driving up pre-tax margins by 17.6%, the company said that it had slashed its debts by £600 million, down to £4.1 billion. In the UK, sales grew by 14.
18 February 2009
Port Of Belfast Hit By Construction Trade Slump
Leisure traffic has proved to be a winner for the Port of Belfast. However, figures just released show that while 2008 was the best year ever for Belfast's growing popularity with cruise ships, the recession has been reflected in a substantial drop in cargo - and especially in the construction sector.
Port Of Belfast Hit By Construction Trade Slump
Leisure traffic has proved to be a winner for the Port of Belfast. However, figures just released show that while 2008 was the best year ever for Belfast's growing popularity with cruise ships, the recession has been reflected in a substantial drop in cargo - and especially in the construction sector.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
