The Assembly's Committee for Infrastructure has launched a call for evidence on the Harbours Bill, inviting submissions from stakeholders and the public until 2 September 2026.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins introduced the Bill on 15 June 2026, and it completed its Second Stage on 23 June. It has now been referred to the Committee for detailed Committee Stage scrutiny.

The Bill aims to modernise the legislative and governance framework for Northern Ireland's trust ports at Belfast, Foyle, Coleraine, and Warrenpoint. It is intended to enable the ports to operate more efficiently and to strengthen their contribution to the regional economy.

During the Second Stage debate, Minister Kimmins said the Bill was a balanced package of reforms to give ports greater independence, remove outdated controls, and equip them with commercial powers to compete and grow, while safeguarding the public interest.

The Minister also highlighted that the Bill would support reclassification by the Office for National Statistics. This would ensure the governance framework reflects the true nature of the trust ports, particularly in relation to borrowing and its interaction with departmental capital budgets.

The Bill will be supported by four Harbour Orders, one for each port. These will provide further independence and commercial powers while requiring activities to align with port objectives and protect long-term financial sustainability.

The Committee is gathering evidence to inform its report to the Assembly. Respondents are asked to structure submissions by specific clauses and schedules. Submissions may be published, and requests for anonymity or confidentiality should be indicated at the time of submission.

Written submissions can be sent electronically in Word format to the committee email or by post to Parliament Buildings, Stormont.