In
2001 the Department of Regional Development carried out a review
of Northern Ireland’s trust ports. The outcome of the review
was that the ports would remain as trust ports but with wider commercial
and borrowing powers and increased public accountability.
As a result
of this the Belfast Harbour Order (Northern Ireland) 2002 was made
which:
•
Sets the number of
Commissioners at between 10 and 15;
•
Gives legislative
strength to the existing voluntary Memorandum of Understanding which
requires the Port Authority to consult with the Department in relation
to the use and disposal of land;
•
Increases borrowing
powers;
•
Enables the Port to
establish subsidiary companies.
A Harbours
(Northern Ireland) Order 2002 was introduced in February 2003. It gives
DRD power to:
•
Exercise a Power of
Direction to the Commissioners with regard to the protection of the
public interest.
•
Enforce a code of
practice for Trust Ports.
•
Obtain such information
from Trust Ports as DRD may require.
To date,
however, further legislation extending the commercial powers of Trust
Ports in Northern Ireland has not yet been introduced.