Gildernew announces Drainage Council appointments

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced four interim appointments to the Drainage Council.

The Drainage Council is an independent advisory body which oversees the programme of publicly funded flood defence and drainage projects in the north of Ireland.

The following appointments, which include two District Council members, one Industry member and one Conservation member, took effect from 25 February 2010 and run until the local elections in 2011, after which a full appointment process will be carried out for a new term of the Drainage Council.

District Council – Councillor Sean Clarke

Currently serving with Cookstown District Council, Councillor Clarke is also Chairperson of Broughderg Development Association and Secretary to Greencastle GAA Club.

District Council – Councillor Allan Rainey MBE

Councillor Rainey serves with Omagh District Council. He is a Director of the Fintona Regeneration Initiative and was awarded the MBE in 1999.

Industry – Mr Trevor Hinds

Mr Hinds is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a Board Member of North Training.

Conservation – Ms Rosemary Dobbin

Ms Dobbin is Director of Reconstructing the Future Ltd. She holds a BTec NHC in Civil Engineering, a Diploma in Environment and Development, and is currently studying for a Masters in Building Conservation Technology.

Notes to editors:

1. The appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, NI.
2. Members of the Drainage Council can claim travel expenses reasonably incurred on Drainage Council business but receive no other remuneration for their work.
3. For further information on the Drainage Council, visit the Rivers Agency website.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.