Time running out to secure SS Nomadic for Belfast - Neeson

7.32.00pm GMT Mon 16th Jan 2006

Alliance Assembly Member and Northern Ireland representative on the UK Historic Ships Committee, Sean Neeson MLA, has claimed that time is running out for the purchase of Belfast-built ship Nomadic.

Alderman Neeson stated: "It is sad that Belfast has only just woken up to the importance and potential of Titanic."

The Nomadic was a 'cousin' of Titanic, which serviced Titanic and her sister ships. She offers us the chance to move away from 'plastic heritage' by securing a real contemporary ship in good condition. Her purchase would certainly qualify her for the main collection of the National Historic Ships Register and thereby for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"I am appealing to Government Departments to provide the necessary funding for the purchase of this historic ship when she is auctioned on 26 January. It would be an extremely sound investment for Belfast's heritage and tourism in the run-up to 2012."

ENDS