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25/07/2012
MP Calls On Government To Keep WWI Ship In Belfast
A Belfast MP is fighting for government support to save HMS Caroline.
The historic ship, currently moored at Alexandra Dock in the Titanic Quarter, is the last surviving vessel used in the Battle of Jutland.
Now Nigel Dodds, MP for North Belfast, has said the ship could "significantly enhance" the tourism package in Northern Ireland.
The ship has been lying idle since 2009 and the Ministry of Defence have said it could be scrapped or taken to the National Museum of the Royal Navy in the south of England.
Mr Dodds accompanied the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Minister of State Hugo Swire to London earlier this month to lobby for a solution.
They met with Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans to "impress upon him the need to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast".
At the time Ms Foster said the ship could "play an important role in attracting even more visitors to the area", and said despite the funding challenges, she and others would work to get the ship restored in Belfast, where it has been berthed since 1924.
It would cost about £5m to restore HMS Caroline and £250,000 would be needed for upkeep and maintenance every year.
Mr Dodds said: "We are continuing to press for governmental support… to bring about the right outcome."
(NE)
The historic ship, currently moored at Alexandra Dock in the Titanic Quarter, is the last surviving vessel used in the Battle of Jutland.
Now Nigel Dodds, MP for North Belfast, has said the ship could "significantly enhance" the tourism package in Northern Ireland.
The ship has been lying idle since 2009 and the Ministry of Defence have said it could be scrapped or taken to the National Museum of the Royal Navy in the south of England.
Mr Dodds accompanied the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Minister of State Hugo Swire to London earlier this month to lobby for a solution.
They met with Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans to "impress upon him the need to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast".
At the time Ms Foster said the ship could "play an important role in attracting even more visitors to the area", and said despite the funding challenges, she and others would work to get the ship restored in Belfast, where it has been berthed since 1924.
It would cost about £5m to restore HMS Caroline and £250,000 would be needed for upkeep and maintenance every year.
Mr Dodds said: "We are continuing to press for governmental support… to bring about the right outcome."
(NE)
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30 March 2022
HMS Caroline To Remain In Belfast Until At Least 2038
The long-term future of the HMS Caroline visitor attraction has been secured in Belfast, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, following an agreement with key partners the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The historic attraction will no remain in Belfast until at least 2038.
HMS Caroline To Remain In Belfast Until At Least 2038
The long-term future of the HMS Caroline visitor attraction has been secured in Belfast, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, following an agreement with key partners the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The historic attraction will no remain in Belfast until at least 2038.
09 May 2013
WWI Ship Granted Lottery Funding
The HMS Caroline is to be turned into a "floating museum", following a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £12.2m. The last surviving ship of the WWI Battle of Jutland in 1916 has been docked at Belfast's shipyards for about 90 years.
WWI Ship Granted Lottery Funding
The HMS Caroline is to be turned into a "floating museum", following a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £12.2m. The last surviving ship of the WWI Battle of Jutland in 1916 has been docked at Belfast's shipyards for about 90 years.
01 August 2012
HMS Caroline Deadline Sails Past But Politicians Fight On
Northern Ireland's tourism minister has said her department is working on a way to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast. Arlene Foster said her department was working with the Museum of the Royal Navy to "develop a solution" to a funding deadlock that means the WWI warship could be taken out of Belfast.
HMS Caroline Deadline Sails Past But Politicians Fight On
Northern Ireland's tourism minister has said her department is working on a way to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast. Arlene Foster said her department was working with the Museum of the Royal Navy to "develop a solution" to a funding deadlock that means the WWI warship could be taken out of Belfast.
08 June 2012
HMS Caroline To Leave Belfast
A historic ship that has been berthed in Belfast for 90 years is to be moved to Portsmouth. The National Museum of the Royal Navy has said it is "sad for Belfast" but came about due to "little action" when they tried to find ways to keep the ship here.
HMS Caroline To Leave Belfast
A historic ship that has been berthed in Belfast for 90 years is to be moved to Portsmouth. The National Museum of the Royal Navy has said it is "sad for Belfast" but came about due to "little action" when they tried to find ways to keep the ship here.
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