The long-running wrangle over how the North's main ports operate should be resolved in a couple of months, it was learnt today.
Belfast, Derry and Warrenpoint ports have been awaiting the results of the Review of the Powers, Status and Governance of Trusts Ports launched by the Department of Regional Development under direct rule last year.
The bosses of the Port of Belfast expressed concern direct rule ministers were carrying out the review as a first step towards an asset stripping sell-off of port land.
However new Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy moved to calm their fears today saying one of his priorities was to take forward the review and ensure a thriving ports sector. He said: "I intend to firm up my thinking in these policy issues soon and hope to be in a position to announce the way forward in the Autumn."
The minister said a successful ports industry was crucial to the success of the local economy, not only as the main gateways for imports and exports but also as a catalyst for economic regeneration.
He said: "My overriding aim through the Ports Policy Review is to ensure that we have a thriving and efficient port sector and a trust port sector which is appropriately accountable for the important public assets it controls.
"I look forward, in my capacity as Regional Development Minister, to working with all the commercial ports across the North as we consider how to ensure that their full potential is realised."
News that a decision was on the way was welcomed by Len O'Hagan, chairman of the Port of Belfast who met the minister when he toured the port estate. He said he had discussed with the minister the importance of creating structures that allowed Northern Ireland's Trust Ports to compete fairly with other ports, maximise their contribution to the economy and maintain public accountability.
He said: "The debate about the framework in which Trust Ports operate has been ongoing now for over five years. I welcome the return of a locally accountable minister and his commitment to resolve the issue."
Such progress, said Mr O'Hagan, would enable the port "to concentrate on the creation of world class port facilities and the regeneration of its Harbour Estate schemes such as Titanic Quarter, the Titanic Signature Project and new logistics facilities."
PA