Setting the record straight
It seems that good news is no news for some people – while bad news is catnip (especially to people who like to write “hilarious” sinking feeling/iceberg ahead–type Titanic–related puns). We heard a report of a funding shortfall that was widely believed and repeated, but that simply wasn’t the case (see below).
We read an especially grumbly hatchet job on Titanic Belfast in the Sunday Times (which really got my goat – you can read my little rant about it here). And yesterday we heard a report – again, widely believed and repeated – that condemned Titanic Belfast to failure even before it’s had the chance to open its doors (and rant here).
Is anybody else ready to take a stand against this weary, default–negative, cynicism–disguised–as–wisdom mentality? Aren’t we fed up of doom and gloom?
If so, it’s time for action… Let’s keep beating the jungle–drum of hope, telling our friends and relatives that 2012 is the year they have to visit, to see our brilliant little city and beautiful province shine brighter than they’ve ever shone before. And if you want to do something practical right now (and get some Christmas pressies sorted out into the bargain), the online booking is now open at the Titanic Belfast website – book places for everyone you know at the centre of Belfast’s 2012 Titanic adventure!
Chris Bennett, Chaplain to the Titanic Quarter
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has confirmed that there is no funding shortfall for Titanic Belfast.
It is on course for completion and will open as planned on 31 March 2012, in time for the 100–year anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage.
The project is fully funded. The Department has applied for £18.4million funding under the European Commission (EC) Competitiveness Programme, which is still subject to an ongoing assessment by the Commission.
EU funding is irrelevant to the successful completion of the project.
If funding is not drawn down against Titanic Belfast it will be drawn down against other projects. However DETI is optimistic that it can address the EU’s queries. For these reasons, the issue was not raised with the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee.
Titanic Belfast will be Northern Ireland’s must–see attraction when it opens next year. Feedback nationally and internationally has been incredibly positive. It has created job opportunities and is already attracting interest from tourists across the world, with over 30,000 group bookings received to date and over 100 events booked into the banqueting suite.
(Source: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment website, Friday, 9 December 2011)