Paisley Launches Titanic Tourism Initiative

First Minister Rt. Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP MLA has officially started the clock tower mechanism at Belfast's newest tourist attraction, the Titanic Dock and Pump House. As the location for the fitting out of the RMS Titanic, the Clock Tower and Pump-House played a pivotal role in the Titanic story.

The Clock Tower has been fully restored to its former glory following months of restoration works overseen by the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP), and funded by NITB and Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).

Speaking during a tour of the refurbished clock tower and pump house Dr Paisley said: "In the past days of Northern Ireland's great shipbuilding industry this clock tower was a focal point for the workers visible from all parts of the shipyard. The Titanic story began in Belfast and by switching on the clock mechanism the tower will once again become a focal point for the many visiting tourists whose imaginations have been captured by this incredible story.

"The shipbuilding era may have passed but we are beginning to replace it with other industries including tourism. £1.2million has been invested in the Titanic Dock and Pump House Project providing a unique visitor experience ensuring that the story of the Titanic continues to be shared with a much wider audience. The whole Titanic Signature Project has the potential to deliver a step change for tourism in Northern Ireland."

NISP Chairman, Franklin Adair, said: "This Edwardian Pump-House building dates from the high watermark of shipbuilding in Northern Ireland. The Pump-House Clock called time on final fittings to many of the world's greatest ships. Indeed, the 'Made in Northern Ireland' marque was a guarantee of innovation and quality of which the world took notice.

"In today's 21st century global economy Northern Ireland is moving towards reclaiming past reputation as a centre of world-beating innovation. This restoration project has been about recognising and cherishing our position within maritime history - but it also sends out a message that we are proven innovators with a track record of which to be justly proud."

NISP is also opening up full public access to a significant WWI memorial which is located at the Pump-House. Originally unveiled by Sir Edward Carson in 1919, the Workman, Clark & Co memorial is the work of renowned local sculptress Rosamond Praeger. Some of the original memorial's detail - including many of the names of the fallen - has been lost due to the effects of weathering.