O’Doherty signs off with buoyant Port report

Port Chief Executive Brian McGrath said shipping through the Port increased by 27 per cent. In 2011/12 profit on ordinary activities before tax stood at just £581,867. But this more than doubled to £1,225,218 in 2012/13, exceeding even the £1,056,005 figure from 2010/11.

Turnover is also up from £5,357,595 to £6,412,615; a jump of more than £1m. Speaking after the Port’s Annual General Meeting, Mr McGrath said the headline figures in the harbour’s annual report reflect “on ever improving operational performance with turnover of £6,412,615 with profit on ordinary activities before taxation of £1,225,218.

“This represents a significant increase in turnover driven by a 27 per cent increase in tonnage handled. We are particularly grateful to all our customers and staff for their ongoing support.”

He pointed out that the 2012/13 report was significantly the last under the Chairmanship of local businessman Garvan O’Doherty, who has served as a commissioner since the 1990s.

Said Mr McGrath: “This is the last report which will be presented under the current Chairman’s leadership. On behalf of the Commissioners we wish to publicly thank Garvan for his dynamic leadership and passion for the work of the Port and Harbour.

“His fifteen years’ service as Commissioner, Deputy Chairman and Chairman marks a distinguished career in Public Service and he leaves a strong legacy for the future.”

Mr O’Doherty said: “I was particularly proud of our role in the Clipper and Return of Colmcille events in the summer of 2012 and 2013.

“The development of marina infrastructure in the city centre - on time and on budget - provided a platform for the Clipper event which will live long in the memory of our citizens.

“Through Clipper and The Return of Colmcille, we worked alongside the key stakeholders in the city, and demonstrated that tapping into the potential of the Foyle helps to showcase the best this city has to offer.

“Over this period, the Port’s profile has been further enhanced by our sponsorship and support of City of Culture events such as the Return of Colmcille pageant – for which we provided technical marine support - and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which transfixed huge crowds here this summer.

“These events have greatly cemented the Port’s reputation and we have also been proud to play a role in developing the marine aspects of what is now a formidable infrastructure for future tourism and economic development.”

Mr O’Doherty also referred to the recent announcement of an £80m investment by Evermore Renewable Energy into the Port’s land bank.

No mention, however, was made of City Waste, the recently shut down waste facility in Gorticross, which the Port’s erstwhile chief finance officer Stephen Gillespie, last year cited as a key port customer.

Instead, referring to the Evermore boost, Mr O’Doherty said: “The location of the project at our Foyle Port facility is a major endorsement of the Port’s ability to deliver large scale projects for the Region.

“It is also a validation of the Commissioners’ decision, some years ago, to invest heavily in Port fixed assets and broaden its range of activities.”