Fishery Harbour Appointments

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development today announced that Mr Ian Morris and Captain Brian Majury are to be appointed to Board of the NI Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA).

The appointments for a term of four years will take effect from 16 December 2009.

Welcoming the appointments, Fisheries Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA said: “Both Ian Morris and Brian Majury have clearly demonstrated that they possess the knowledge and experience to make a valuable contribution to the work of the Harbour Authority.

“I wish to congratulate them on their appointment and wish them every success in their new roles. I have no doubt that both men will be able to assist the Authority as it takes forward its important work of managing and improving fishery harbour infrastructure and services.”

Paying tribute to the two members of the board, Mr Peter Ronaldson and Mr Morris Walters who will be standing down as their second term of office has expired the Minister said: “Peter and Morris have both made a valuable contribution to the work of the Authority in difficult times. I would like to thank them for their service and dedication and wish them all the best for the future.”

These appointments have been made in accordance with the OCPANI Code of Practice

Notes to editors:

1. The NI Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) is a statutory body established in 1973 under the Harbours Act (NI) 1970 and the NI Fishery Harbour Authority Order (NI) 1973.  The Authority has responsibility for the improvement, management and maintenance of the three fishery harbours at Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.
2. The appointments were made in accordance with the Office of the commissioner of Public Appointments for NI’s Code of Practice. A selection panel, which included an independent assessor, as required under the Commissioner’s Code, considered the suitability of all candidates. The final decision on the appointment rested with the Minister.
3. Members each receive £3,710 per annum in respect of their appointment.
4. Mr. Morris is a retired fishing vessel skipper from Kilkeel and a former Chair of Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Organisation. Since his retirement he has still maintained a great interest in the fishing industry. Mr Morris has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
5. Captain Majury is from Scarva. He has spent his career in the Merchant Navy holding many seagoing positions. He is presently employed by Warrenpoint Harbour Commissioners. Captain Majury is a member of the Board of Carlingford Lough Commission for which he receives no remuneration. He has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
6. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.