Committee for Infrastructure launches Call for Evidence on Harbours Bill

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Infrastructure has launched a Call for Evidence on the Harbours Bill and is inviting stakeholders and members of the public to share their views.

The Bill, introduced by the Minister for Infrastructure on 15 June 2026, completed its Second Stage on 23 June 2026 and has now been referred to the Committee for detailed scrutiny at Committee Stage.

The primary aim of the Harbours Bill is to modernise the legislative and governance framework for Northern Ireland’s Trust Ports. The proposed changes are intended to support these autonomous statutory bodies to operate more efficiently, enhance their contribution to the regional economy, and address governance considerations arising from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) classification of Trust Ports, particularly in relation to borrowing and its interaction with departmental capital budgets.

As part of the Assembly’s legislative process, the Committee is responsible for examining the provisions of the Bill and gathering evidence to inform its report to the Assembly.

The Committee is seeking views on:

• The objectives of the Bill
• The detailed provisions within the Bill
• The potential impacts and consequences of the proposals
• Any suggested amendments

The Committee encourages respondents to structure their submissions with reference to specific clauses and schedules within the Bill.

The closing date for submissions is 2 September 2026.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Submissions should be provided electronically in Word format (not PDF) to:
committee.infrastructure@niassembly.gov.uk

Alternatively, written submissions can be sent by post to:
Clerk to the Committee for Infrastructure
Room 410
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX

Respondents should note that submissions may be published, in full or in part, on the Committee’s webpage and may be referenced in public Committee proceedings. Where required, requests for anonymity or confidentiality should be clearly indicated at the time of submission.

Further information on the Bill, including the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum, is available here: Harbours Bill

Before submitting evidence, respondents are encouraged to review the Northern Ireland Assembly Committees Privacy Notice.

Robbie Best, Deputy Communications and Digital Content Officer

Email: Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk