29 November 2006
NOMADIC TRUST SWINGS INTO ACTION
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP has welcomed the vision for the future restoration of the SS Nomadic announced by the Charitable Trust.
At its first meeting the Nomadic Charitable Trust Board agreed the following vision for the project:
"To restore the SS Nomadic and make her accessible to the people of Northern Ireland such that she can play a role as a celebration of the Titanic and our maritime and industrial heritage and act as a catalyst for tourism and social and economic development".
The meeting was presented with an assessment of the current condition of the ship together with recommendations to deal with essential repairs and maintenance. Whilst the ship is generally in good condition the main urgent task is to protect the Nomadic from any further deterioration from rainwater ingress through leaking superstructure and the Board agreed to procure a temporary canvas cover to fit the entire vessel as quickly as possible. This cover will be designed to enable access to carry out other agreed work pending the ultimate reinstatement proposal which will be agreed by the Trust in due course.
The Charitable Trust undertook to try to carry out initial works to at least make the two lounges accessible to the public in the short term.
Chairman of the Trust, Denis Rooney, stated that:
"I am delighted to be heading such an expert and enthusiastic Board and feel confident that the Trust can meet the exciting and demanding challenge in making the most of this great asset." He went on to say that: "Funding will be the key which will determine how ambitious we can be and we look to the whole community to support us in whatever way they can".
The Charitable Trust has set up special committees to deal with key aspects of the restoration project. Roy Snowdon will head up the Technical Committee which will deal with all matters relating to the repairs, maintenance and mooring arrangements. Ian Savage will lead the committee dealing with the concept development of the project and the business plan. David Scott-Beddard will chair the Fund Raising Committee.
The Minister for Social Development Minister, David Hanson welcomed the vision statement of the Charitable Trust and reiterated that "much needs to be done from a fundraising point of view." He went on to say that:
"I am confident that the Trust can restore the SS Nomadic so that her wonderful history will help to promote Belfast and Northern Ireland as a marketable visitor attraction alongside that of the Titanic brand."
The SS Nomadic will shortly be removed from the Harland & Wolff quay to Barnett's Dock where it will be moored for 18 months. Denis Rooney expressed the Trust's thanks to Harland & Wolff for their support to date and to the Belfast Harbour Commissioners for their kind offer of mooring facilities and other support.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Department for Social Development (DSD) nominees on the Charitable Trust are: Mr Denis Rooney chairperson; Mr Ian Savage Institute of Directors nominee; Councillor Sean Neeson MLA, the NI representative on the UK National Maritime Heritage Committee; ACC Duncan McCausland, PSNI; Roy Snowdon, World Ships Society; Jackie Johnston, DSD.
2. Belfast City Council nominees; Councillor Nelson McCausland MLA, chair of the Development Committee, and Councillor Paul Maskey, Deputy Chair of the Development Committee.
3. Belfast Harbour Commissioners nominee: Trevor Anderson commercial director.
4. Belfast Industrial Heritage Company nominees: Mrs Kathleen Neill and Mr John Moore.
5. Belfast Titanic Society nominee: Mr Brian Patterson
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