Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has visited Belfast Harbour as part of continued engagement with local stakeholders across Northern Ireland.

The Minister met with representatives of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, followed by a tour of Belfast Port by boat.

Minister O'Dowd said: "I was pleased to visit the offices of Belfast Harbour Commissioners today as my Department is responsible for policy and the legislative framework under which ports operate. I was given an insight into the crucial role and operations of Belfast Port in relation to the local economy, with it handling the vast majority of external trade for this region as well as accommodating many cruise ships which form an important part of local tourism.

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"I also recognise Belfast Harbour's central and crucial role within our infrastructure as it is the region's principal maritime gateway and logistics hub not just for the North but the wider Island of Ireland. Indeed I note that over 25 million tonnes of trade was moved through Belfast Port last year."