Former UUP economy minister Sir Reg Empey today urged the British government to help businessmen in east Belfast take advantage of the Titanic's tourist potential.
Sir Reg made the call after an approach from local entrepreneurs about a tourism venture dealing with Belfast's links to the ship.
The east Belfast councillor said: "There has been ongoing work by the local East Belfast Heritage group and, in the last couple of months, I have been approached by local businessmen who are trying to get a consortium going to exploit the opportunity created by the story and history of the vessel.
"This is not a new suggestion, but for years many local people have been doing their best, but getting little support. This must change," Sir Reg said.
"The name of the Titanicis a brand name that is famous throughout the world. I understand that it is second only to Coca-Cola in terms of name recognition.
"How is it then that we find only a derelict slipway at the site where she was built? Does anybody believe that if the Titanic had been built in America her `birthplace' would be a derelict plot?"
There has been a public fascination with the luxury liner ever since it sank in the North Atlantic on April 15th, 1912, killing 1,503 passengers and crew.
Artefacts from the sunken ship have been put on display at museums around the world, but Titanicenthusiasts have been disappointed that there is no museum in the shipyard where it was built.
Sir Reg today called on the Government to "act decisively" and take a lead in promoting a major development in East Belfast which would attract visitors and jobs.
PA News