Belfast Port operators voice privatisation fears

Fears that the British government plans an asset stripping privatisation of the Port of Belfast were expressed by operators today.

They said a recent government review of the port's policy had highlighted concerns the review had been structured to prepare the way for the break up and sale to private interests of the port's landbank.

Belfast Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy said, "The Port of Belfast is the life blood of Belfast and 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.

"The Port of Belfast is part and parcel of what Belfast is and must remain within public ownership."