30/04/2009

Weir Facelift Is Latest Executive Boost To Construction

A major refurbishment of the iconic Lagan Weir is to get underway shortly.

Highlighting the Stormont Executive's commitment to deliver the plans and priorities which it set in its Budget, the work will involve new hydraulic rams, repainting of the five gates and other associated work such as new power units and telemetry to assist with the control of river level.

NI Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds said: "The Executive is committed to continued investment in infrastructure, which has enabled this project, worth £2million, to progress.

"Central Procurement Directorate staff, within my Department, are working closely with the River Manager and the Department for Social Development, who are funding this important project, to ensure its successful delivery," he said.

"The work will help maintain the waterway for recreation and tourism and help boost the local economy."

The Minister confirmed that he will be continuing to work with his Executive colleagues and construction industry leaders to ensure that the funds available for investment in infrastructure are fully maximised.

The well known firm, Graham Construction has been appointed as the successful contractor.

Meanwhile, Belfast now comes in just behind Sydney Australia and Boston in the USA to become the latest port city to invest in amphibious buses.

The city's latest tourist attraction is taking to its task 'like a duck to water' as the bright yellow Duck Tours counts down towards an official launch soon.

It was spotted on a test 'swim' in the River Lagan on Tuesday, before launching tours in the next few weeks.

The city is the first in Europe to take delivery of the new high-tech water and land-bourne coaches.

While capable of doing 70mph on the road, they can make 10 knots on the water too and will allow visitors to get up close to all the main river attractions as well as those on land.

The Titanic's launching dock, for example, will be seen in a new light from the River Lagan itself.

A Northern Ireland businessman is investing £2 million in the amphibian tours project.

Robert Wilson has ordered a fleet of four of the new, state of the art amphibious coaches, which he hopes will eventually transport up to 300,000 tourists each year.

See: City 'Bus' Tours Take To The Water

(BMcC/JM)

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