Alliance Leader Naomi Long MEP has expressed her sadness and support for the workers and their families after Harland and Wolff ceased trading today.

The company have now appointed administrators and will file for insolvency tomorrow (Tuesday) at the High Court in Belfast.

“My thoughts are with primarily with the workers and with their families right now. There has been a lot of talk about the iconic history of the yard and, no doubt, discussion will move on to ensuring the site will provide jobs in the future. However, right now it is their livelihood and this is a stressful and difficult time for all concerned,” said Mrs Long.

“Alliance has held numerous discussions with workers, management, unions and pressed Government for an intervention which could facilitate Harland and Wolff keeping its gates open while new orders could be secured. Sadly, the window of opportunity for that has now closed.

“I know the unions have discussed options with the administrator, with the idea of hopefully saving some jobs. Workers there are part of a strong skills base which can be a platform for further manufacturing development. We will continue to support them as the process moves forward and do what we can to secure employment, and a future for marine engineering on the site.”