The successful completion of a major construction project has been marked this week as the new Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) was officially opened.

The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín were in the Titanic Quarter for the event.

Speaking at the event Mr Robinson said: "The new PRONI building is a fitting addition to the cultural landscape of Belfast, a city with an incredibly rich history. The records that this iconic building holds are without doubt, one of our greatest cultural and historical assets.

"This Executive committed £29.2m to this project in order to provide us with a building which befits PRONI's position as one of the UK's three National Archival Institutions."

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Referring to the family and local history records held in PRONI, Mr McGuinness stated: "The new Public Record Office is a credit to all those who have been involved in its creation and completion.

"Most of us are curious to know more about our roots and by delving into our past it can help us to understand who we are. There is a strong sense of identity with place throughout the length and breadth of this island.

"This new building will ensure that future generations, across all communities, will have continuing access to their past," he said.

Priceless

Following the removal and relocation of thousands of unique, irreplaceable and some priceless documents, the new record office opened its doors to the public on 30 March, three months ahead of schedule.

Commenting, the NI Culture Minister Carál Ni Chuilín said: "As Keeper of the Records I am very aware of the huge challenge that staff were faced with during this move.

"It is a fantastic achievement that, through the careful planning, dedication and hard work of PRONI staff and its partners, the new PRONI opened well ahead of schedule. This is a Public Record Office for everyone. The strength of its archives lies in the diverse range of documents which are donated from both public and private sources," she said.

(BMcC/GK)