Debate contribution: Harbours Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Maolíosa McHugh on 23 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Maolíosa McHugh
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 23 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Harbours Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5637171

Text

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as Bille na gCuanta a mholadh.
I welcome the introduction of the Harbours Bill, and I commend Minister Liz Kimmins for introducing legislation that seeks to modernise the framework within which ports operate. Our ports are critical pieces of economic infrastructure. From Belfast to Larne, Derry, Warrenpoint and Coleraine, they serve as gateways through which much of our trade flows, supporting jobs, businesses and communities right across the North. Ensuring that they are equipped to respond to modern commercial challenges is, therefore, an important objective. For many years, trust ports have highlighted constraints in the existing legislative arrangements, particularly around access to finance and their ability to invest strategically for the future. At present, they are largely dependent on borrowing through the Department's capital arrangements, which can limit their flexibility and their capacity to compete with ports elsewhere across these islands. The Bill represents an opportunity to address those issues. By updating governance arrangements and providing ports with greater commercial agility, we can help to ensure that they remain competitive, continue to attract investment and strengthen their contribution to economic growth. Some have expressed concerns that the proposals may be a step towards privatisation. I do not believe that that is the case. They will continue to operate for the benefit of the public interest rather than private shareholders, and any profits generated will still have to be reinvested back into the port and its operations. Importantly, there will continue to be accountability and oversight through board structures, including representation from locally elected council members, as is already the case at Belfast harbour. That public connection and democratic input is an important safeguard, and one that should provide reassurance. As a party, Sinn Féin has been clear that it does not support the free port model. The legislation is not about creating free ports, nor is it about transferring publicly held assets into private hands. Rather, it is about ensuring that our existing trust ports have the tools that they need to operate effectively in an increasingly competitive environment, while retaining their unique status and public purpose. Ultimately, strong and successful ports benefit all of us. They support employment, facilitate trade, enhance connectivity and contribute significantly to our local and regional economies. My party therefore welcomes the introduction of the Harbours Bill and looks forward to engaging constructively as it is progressed through the Assembly to ensure that it delivers for our ports, our economy and the communities that rely on them.

417 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification