PROCEEDINGS OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE (PORT OF BELFAST)

THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 1999 AT 10.30 AM

IN ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:Mr S Wilson (Joint Chairperson)

Mr R Beggs

Mr P J Bradley (representing Mr D O'Connor)

Mr G Campbell

Mr F Cobain

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr D McClarty

Mr E McGrady MP

Mr G McHugh (representing Mr A Maskey)

Mr A Maginness (Joint Chairperson)

Ms J Morrice

Mr M Morrow

Mr M Murphy (representing Mr P Doherty)

Mr S Neeson

Dr D O'Hagan

Mr P Roche

Mr J Tierney

Mr D Watson

In Attendance:Dr S DonnellyMs V Surplus

Mr G MartinMs K Johnston

Mr Harkin

1.Election of Chair

Mr Hutchinson proposed Mr S Wilson as Chairperson and this was seconded by Mr Watson. Mr McGrady then proposed Mr A Maginness as Chairperson.

Mr McClarty then proposed Mr S Wilson and Mr A Maginness as joint Chairpersons, and this was agreed to unanimously by the Members. Mr S Wilson took the Chair, which will be rotated at each meeting.

2.Election of Deputy Chair

Agreed:

In view of the joint Chairmanship arrangement it was agreed that there was no requirement for a Deputy Chair.

3.Draft Press Release

The draft press release was agreed, and a deadline of 23 March was set for receipt of written submissions.

4.Draft list of invites to give oral evidence

The list was agreed, with the following additions:-

Belfast City Council

Belfast Harbour Users Group

Bumper Graham, NIPSA

Dover Port

5.Draft list of invites to provide written evidence

The draft list was agreed, with a number of additions, including all 26 local councils.

6.Future Work Programme

Agreed:

i.Belfast Harbour Commissioners will be invited to make a presentation to the Committee on Thursday 25 February.

ii.The Committee will meet every Thursday at 10.30 am.

iii.The Clerk will identify an independent expert to give advice on the proposals/options for Belfast Harbour.

iv.The Clerk will arrange for an options paper to be prepared.

v.The Clerk will identify a land valuer to provide an estimate of the value of Belfast Harbour's estate.

vi.The Clerk will arrange for a paper to be provided regarding the position of the port in Dublin.

7.AOB

Agreed:

i.The minutes of the meetings will be placed in the Library.

ii.The joint Chairpersons will speak to the Initial Presiding Officer with a view to securing more suitable accommodation.

iii.The Committee will meet 15 minutes in advance of evidence sessions to deliberate.

8.Date of next meeting

The Committee will meet next on Thursday, 25 February, at 10.30 am, in the Long Gallery, for a presentation by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

February 1999