Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt, has expressed concern at the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General into the Titanic Signature Building and other signature projects in tourism.
The Strangford MLA said:
“This report makes for quite shocking reading. It makes clear the Titanic Signature Building’s long term future is not beyond doubt; that the building cost was significantly higher than the alternative proposal put forward by the Odyssey Trust; that the Odyssey proposal would have delivered greater financial benefits over the long term; and that the building will be one of the most expensive relative to the number of visitors expected.
“The Comptroller also confirms the fact the building was commissioned by Titanic Quarter Limited from Harcourt Construction (NI) without an open competition. This is the issue that may prevent us from benefiting from European funding.
“It is also very striking to read that the Comptroller notes that the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board reject his opinion that governance arrangements at a strategic level do not follow best practice. Without a full rebuttal from DETI / NITB, this smacks of arrogance.
“No one wants to see anything other than success in the short, medium and long term for all these Signature Projects. Tourism is a key growth sector for rebalancing our economy, but when you read the Comptroller’s report, and the question marks he puts over these multi-million pound investments, you cannot but question and challenge the processes in play.”