Neeson hails Nomadic purchase

3.27.43pm GMT Thu 26th Jan 2006

Neeson hails Nomadic ship

Alliance Assembly Member, Sean Neeson, who represents Northern Ireland on the UK National Historic Ships Committee, has welcomed the decision by the Government to purchase the Nomadic.

Mr Neeson, MLA for East Antrim, said: "The decision today will be welcomed by the many people, including myself, who lobbied for the ship to be returned to Belfast.

"The main priority now is to get the ship listed on the core collection of the National Historic Ships register.

"If this is achieved, then it would make the Nomadic eligible for possible grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"I also call on the Government to clarify who has the responsibility for maritime heritage in Northern Ireland, as this still remains unclear."

ENDS