The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Lindsay Millar has reinforced Northern Ireland’s commitment to land a Heathrow Logistics Hub.
It comes as the airport’s plans to build a third runway were backed by MPs.
Three sites are in the running for a logistics hub – Michelin in Ballymena, Belfast International Airport and Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey. Five thousand jobs could be created.
The government won a key vote in the Commons on Monday evening by 415 votes to 119 – a majority of 296.
It’s estimated that the hubs – designed to ensure the Heathrow expansion delivers for the whole of the UK – could deliver an economic boost of £5billion.
And Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Lindsay Millar, said she was delighted the project had moved another step closer.
“The vote is great news for Heathrow and all of those currently bidding to be selected as a base for a Heathrow Logistics Hub.
“Being part of the Heathrow expansion would be a big boost for the manufacturing and construction sectors here, and for the wider economy,” she said.
And she added: “We have the capability and the capacity to play a big part in this project and have shown the Heathrow delegation that we are ready and willing to work with them.”
The sites are on a long-list of 65 across the UK to become Heathrow Logistic Hubs – offsite construction centres where parts can be pre-assembled before being transported to the London airport for construction.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael, said the news is a fantastic step forward for all involved.
“We are optimistic that one of the proposed Heathrow logistics hubs will be secured for Northern Ireland and indeed for one of the three sites proposed through our partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
“Such ventures are essential for Northern Ireland and we look forward to supporting the Heathrow project as it advances to the next stage,” he added.
As well as visiting the potential sites, the Heathrow delegation also met with some of the major construction and manufacturers in Northern Ireland.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the Heathrow expansion programme is an incredible opportunity to boost economic growth across the UK and create a legacy of manufacturing excellence.
“It is vital my constituency and Northern Ireland as a whole is afforded the best possible chance to play a major role in what would be a game-changer economically, and myself and all of the partners involved will continue to offer our unrelenting support and leadership to secure a pioneering logistics hub,” he said.
Anne Donaghy, Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said being chosen as a Heathrow Logistics Hub would provide a huge boost in terms of economic benefits and jobs.
Having carried out the local site visits in recent weeks, Heathrow aims to open a pre-qualification questionnaire process to the successful bidders later in the year.
