25/07/2012

MP Calls On Government To Keep WWI Ship In Belfast

A Belfast MP is fighting for government support to save HMS Caroline.

The historic ship, currently moored at Alexandra Dock in the Titanic Quarter, is the last surviving vessel used in the Battle of Jutland.

Now Nigel Dodds, MP for North Belfast, has said the ship could "significantly enhance" the tourism package in Northern Ireland.

The ship has been lying idle since 2009 and the Ministry of Defence have said it could be scrapped or taken to the National Museum of the Royal Navy in the south of England.

Mr Dodds accompanied the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Minister of State Hugo Swire to London earlier this month to lobby for a solution.

They met with Andrew Robathan, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans to "impress upon him the need to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast".

At the time Ms Foster said the ship could "play an important role in attracting even more visitors to the area", and said despite the funding challenges, she and others would work to get the ship restored in Belfast, where it has been berthed since 1924.

It would cost about £5m to restore HMS Caroline and £250,000 would be needed for upkeep and maintenance every year.

Mr Dodds said: "We are continuing to press for governmental support… to bring about the right outcome."

(NE)

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