Minister Urges Free Entry At Titanic Dock

At the start of RMS Titanic's anniversary year, fencing was put up around the dry dock where its propellers were fitted.

Tourists and locals alike now have to pay £3.50 in to the Pump House to see the Thompson Dry Dock when on the trail of the famous Belfast-built ship.

But access was previously free and Environment Minister Alex Attwood has said fencing should come down and access should be free of charge once more.

NI Science Park, which owns the dock, was given £1.5m of public money through Mr Attwood's department to invest in preservation work.

Mr Attwood said: "I raised the matter with the Science Park, asked them to review their approach, suggested how they could. My meeting was held in late April and I have been hoping the Science Park would have responded before now.

"Given the central importance of the dock to the Titanic, Belfast and Northern experience, there is a question about the best management structure for the dock. Meanwhile the Science Park should reassess their approach and government should ensure that this asset becomes much more accessible."

Frank Hewitt of the Northern Ireland Science Park Foundation said it would be inappropriate to comment as the issue is "currently the subject of communication between ministers", but the Science Park would review its operation of the Titanic Dock and Pump House.

Adult full-price tickets for the neighbouring Titanic Belfast signature building, which cost nearly £70m of public money, are priced at £13.50.

(NE)