26/01/2006

SS Nomadic set to return to Belfast

The SS Nomadic is set to return to Belfast where it was built in 1911.

The Nomadic, which is one of the last remaining vessels in the White Star line, was purchased at an auction in Paris this afternoon by the Department of Social Development, for a sum of 250,001 euros.

The luxury ferry was built by Harland and Wolff in 1911, and was originally used to ferry passengers to the Titanic and it sister ship, the Olympic.

Social Development Minister David Hanson made the announcement this afternoon, and said the return of the vessel to its birthplace of Belfast was an important piece of the history of the city.

He also revealed his intention to set up a Charitable Trust to coordinate fundraising and oversee the restoration of the Nomadic to its former glory, which has been rumoured to cost in the region of £7 million.

Mr Hanson said: "Belfast Harbour Commissioners have agreed to provide a berth for the ship to allow the Trust time to take forward the restoration project. This is welcome news and will provide a secure basis on which to start the project. While no further public funding is available for the cost of restoration I greatly welcome the contribution of £100,000 pledged by Belfast City Council. This will get the project off to a good start. If the Trust is unable to progress the fundraising and restoration over the next 18 months the vessel will be sold to prevent it deteriorating.

"The return of the Nomadic to Belfast's waterfront is good news for Northern Ireland providing the potential for the ship to be used as a visitor attraction and a symbol of Belfast's proud maritime heritage."

If the Nomadic is fully restored, it is set to become the centrepiece of the new Titanic Tourist Attraction, based in the heartland of Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

(EF/SP)

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