Fears for future of Belfast port

It follows a government consultation document which the port said could pave the way for selling off key parts of the business for "quick cash".

There are also fears that the review will undermine the port's £140m capital investment programme, which includes progress on the Titanic Quarter.

Pat McCarthy said the port was the "lifeblood" of Northern Ireland.

"I am very concerned that the government may be attempting to asset strip Belfast's single most important piece of economic infrastructure and prepare the way for its sale to private interests," he said.

"This would be nothing less than a sale of Belfast's 'family silver'. The Port of Belfast is part and parcel of what Belfast is and the port must remain within public ownership."

'No prior consultation'

Port of Belfast commercial director Joe O'Neill said they were surprised at the government document's emphasis of the "potential break-up of the port's estate and the stripping of assets for a quick sale".

"We are very much looking forward to consulting with all the stakeholders who have an interest in the future of Belfast Port on how we can continue to contribute to Northern Ireland's economy," he said.

"But we feel there has been no prior consultation as to what the government's thoughts were in respect of the break-up of the Harbour Estate."

The consultation period lasts until 22 September.

Last November, Belfast Harbour Commissioners announced a huge investment in the development of Belfast port.

However, there were concerns at that time that uncertainty over the port's regulatory status would "hamper its ability to develop to its full potential".

Its five-year corporate plan includes a new terminal and updating security.

The port handles 66% of all Northern Ireland's seaborne trade and 25% of the entire island's.

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