Belfast Bombardier chief calls for improved NI transport infrastructure

Speaking at the annual dinner of the Northern Ireland Region of the Institute of Logistics and Transport (ILT) in Belfast, the Vice President and General Manager of Bombardier Aerospace Belfast has called for the transport infrastructure in the province to be improved.

Mr Ryan, who was guest of honour at the Institute’s recent annual dinner held at the Europa Hotel Belfast, said transport facilities were vital for business competitiveness.

He said: "Given the challenges being placed on Northern Ireland companies’ competitiveness through additional costs such as the abolition of industrial de-rating, high energy, insurance and waste disposal costs, it is imperative that the transport infrastructure here is improved, particularly to help ease the challenges faced by exporters like ourselves at Bombardier.

"Transport costs have a major impact on a company’s cost base – for us it represents seven per cent of our hourly costs. And not having direct transport links to North America is particularly difficult for companies like us.

He told the 350-strong gathering which included some of Northern Ireland's leading business figures: "Perhaps there is some way that exporters and government could work together to explore ways to find a solution to the transport challenges in Northern Ireland. This, in turn, would enable companies to improve their competitiveness."

ILT National Chairman Stephen Rinsler, who had flown in specially for the event, said: "The work of the sector affects everyone on a daily basis, we are involved in the movement of people and goods; therefore it is one of the most important sectors in the economy. It is a topic that is always high on political agendas, is constantly scrutinised by the local, national and international media and is a regular topic of conversation among the public."

Mr Rinsler said the optimisation of the supply chain was often the difference between a reasonable profit and a loss in a competitive world, and he said it was imperative "to recruit and retain the very best to ensure the health of the UK economy".

He said: "We need the best people in these sectors and the Institute working with key academic institutions, industry and government to ensure that the Institute's portfolio of academic qualifications and its programme of professional development encourage the best to enter the profession and then get better.

"I look forward to these challenges and to the Institute providing support to the professionals to help them make it all happen."

NI ILT Chairman Liam Kelly added: "Northern Ireland is recognised for its major contribution in the development of excellence in logistics which is a key component in positioning local companies at the cutting edge of the global economy".

The ILT's members and guests also raised a considerable sum for the charity Outward Bound. The charity's patron Dame Mary Peters thanked the Institute for its support and generosity.

(SP)