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)