Green port Chairman saysharbour is NW energy hub

Ms Anlee, who was appointed as the new Chair of the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners earlier this year also said a new 120 tonne crane at the port will allow Evermore Renewable Energy import woodchip for the power station.

However, she re-iterated the long-standing complaint of the port board that ambitious plans to expand operations at Lisahally are being held up by the failure to extend powers for local Trust Ports to allow them to raise money from private sources.

Back in September 2012, the Sentinel first reported how Evermore Renewables renewables was in the final stages of putting the finances together for the £80m power plant at the report.

In her Chairman’s statment, which accompanied the Port’s latest accounts, Ms Anlee said: “This project is hugely significant both for the Port which confirms its position as a growing energy hub in the North West and also for the region with £80million of inward investment secured, along with the prospect of further cluster business.”

Ms Anlee said that a new 120 tonne crane at the Londonderry Port will allow the firm to unload the necessary woodchip required to fuel the proposed new power plant, which is expected to be operational next Summer.

“The Commissioners would like to express their thanks to the Department for Regional Development for their support in the purchase of the new Mantsinen material handler, which will facilitate the woodchip imports for the power station,” she stated.

But Ms Anlee said the port’s general progress was being held up by the failure to allow local ports raise finance themselves, a complaint raised by her predecessor Garvan O’Doherty two years ago.

“While the Department has been supportive in this project, the Commissioners are continually mindful of the constraints placed on the Port through Public Corporation status, not least the constraints over our borrowing powers,” she argued.

The new Chair continued: “As we approach another Trust Ports Review the Department must recognise the importance of providing commercial freedom for Ports to ensure we are not restricted in executing our ambitious strategic plans and that we have the ability to take immediate advantage of all viable commercial opportunities.”