During a recent visit with Andy Allen MLA and Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA, Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA learned how Belfast Harbour is continuing to set the pace for what leadership and vision look like in Northern Ireland. Belfast Harbour stands today as a jewel in Northern Ireland's crown, a powerhouse of innovation, ambition and economic leadership that continues to shape the future of the region. With a legacy built on vision, the Commissioners are embarking on one of the most transformative investment programmes ever seen here, a bold £1.3 billion plan designed to propel Belfast Harbour into a new era of growth and global competitiveness. Jon Burrows MLA said: “This unprecedented investment programme underscores Belfast Harbour Commissioners' reputation for leadership and forward thinking strategy. Their courage to invest at scale, their determination to innovate, and their unwavering belief in Northern Ireland's potential mark them as one of the region's most important institutions. “At the heart of this ambition lies a thriving commercial ecosystem. Over 760 businesses now call Belfast Harbour home, forming one of the most dynamic and diverse business communities anywhere on the island. From global logistics to cutting-edge tech, screen industries to advanced manufacturing, the Harbour has become a magnet for enterprise and a driver of prosperity for Northern Ireland. “Looking ahead, the Commissioners' plans are nothing short of transformative. Their long-term development strategy includes the creation of 3,500 new homes, forming vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods that will reshape Belfast's waterfront and provide new opportunities for families, workers and communities. This vision reflects a commitment not only to economic growth but to social impact, ensuring the Harbour's success is shared widely across the region. “Their long standing commitment to reinvest 1% of their annual operating profit into supporting local communities is commendable. I would like to thank Harbour Chair Dr Theresa Donaldson, Harbour CEO Joe O'Neill and their staff for their outstanding commitment. It is clear that Belfast Harbour Commissioners are not simply planning for the future; they are building it.”

🎥 WATCH: Robbie Butler MLA responding to the Draft Anti-poverty Strategy. Poverty isn’t just a statistic; we need to understand the real impact of poverty on families and communities.

Stewart welcomes Belfast Harbour expansion plans but warns barriers must be removed Ulster Unionist infrastructure spokesperson John Stewart MLA has welcomed Belfast Harbour's £1.3 billion Horizons masterplan as a major vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland economy, but warned that long-standing barriers around planning and land classification continue to hold the port back from realising its full potential. Commenting on the announcement, John Stewart MLA said: "Belfast Harbour's £1.3 billion Horizons masterplan is a major vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland economy. With the potential to support 5,500 construction jobs and generate an estimated £12 billion for the wider economy, it is exactly the kind of long-term, strategic investment our region needs from a port that already handles 70% of our seaborne trade. "However, real barriers remain. The planning system continues to be a significant drag on infrastructure delivery, and the ONS classification of our Trust Ports as public corporations restricts their ability to borrow prudently to fund the very projects this masterplan depends on. Scotland resolved this issue a decade ago. Northern Ireland cannot afford to keep falling behind. “I have challenged the Department many times in recent months on the continued delays to the Ports Bill, and I am pleased that it is finally now making its way to the Executive in early June and is expected to reach the Assembly just before summer recess. That timeline must be held to, so Belfast Harbour and the wider trust port network can get on with growing our economy."