25/09/2001

Duke of York visits Coleraine and Carrickfergus

The Duke of York’s first public engagement on a one-day visit to Northern Ireland was the official opening Coleraine Borough Council’s new Civic Headquarters.

Prince Andrew was met by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County, Mr Dennis Desmond, who introduced Mrs Florence Sloan Sheriff for County Londonderry, Councillor John Dallat, Mayor, Coleraine Borough Council and Mr Wavell Moore, Chief Executive of the Council.

The Prince was also greeted by Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey, Minister for the Environment Sam Foster, NIO Minister Des Browne, and MP Gregory Campbell.

Accompanied by the Mayor and the Chief Executive Prince Andrew toured the new facility where he met staff in the various departments and was introduced to members of the Council and invited guests.

The Duke of York then met some 100 school children and teachers from schools in the Borough in the Bann Disc Garden.

Prince Andrew had lunch at Hillsborough Castle with representatives of the Outward Bound Trust and their guests.

The Prince’s last visit of the day was a visit to Carrickfergus Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK), a Japanese-owned company celebrating their tenth anniversary of production in Northern Ireland.

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the County, Colonel James Leslie introduced Mr John Wallace, Sheriff for County Antrim, Alderman William Ashe, the Mayor of Carrickfergus Borough Council, Mr Roy Beggs and Sir Reg Empey.

His Royal Highness met Mr John Hughes, Managing Director, Mr Shuichi Mizoue, Sales Manager together with other members of the senior management team at Ryobi and was briefed about the company and its operation in Northern Ireland.

The Industrial Development Board–backed company is the European manufacturing operation of Hiroshima-based Ryobi and is the leading supplier for automotive components such as clutch and transmission casings.

His Royal Highness later joined the board meeting of British Trade International at Hillsborough Castle which was his final engagement before leaving the province. (SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 April 2024
NIFRS To Be Awarded Freedom Of The Borough In Ards & North Down
Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced that it will confer its highest honour, the Freedom of the Borough, to Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).
12 June 2006
Larne to elect first nationalist mayor
The predominantly unionist town of Larne is this evening expected to elect its first ever nationalist mayor. SDLP member, Danny Kennedy, who was born and raised in the County Antrim town is expected to be voted into the post as part of an historic power-sharing deal which was established at Larne Borough Council last year.
30 January 2024
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Parts Of NI
A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Northern Ireland on Wednesday, 31 January. The weather warning comes into effect at 9.00 am and is due to remain in place until 5.00 pm with warnings that it could impact travel, cause power outages and lead to large waves in coastal areas.
26 November 2021
New Cross-Border Economic Growth Partnership Established
A new cross-border partnership established to foster economic growth between Belfast and Dublin, a key strategic route, has announced its inaugural political leadership team.
27 September 2011
Dana Secures Place In Presidential Race
Derry's own Dana Rosemary Scallon has secured herself a place as an official presidential candidate after receiving her fourth and final nomination. The former Eurovision singer and ex-MEP is now the sixth official candidate for the Irish presidential election, after earlier in the day receiving the backing of Donegal County Council.