Minister welcomes new head of Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today welcomed John McMillen to the post of Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

Mr Poots said: "I am confident John will lead the Agency with vision and determination through the coming years and is ready to embrace the challenges that it is facing. These challenges include supporting sustainable development, implementing and enforcing new legislation and meeting our targets within tighter budgets."

Mr McMillen added: "The Agency leads in the work of protecting, conserving and promoting the unique natural and built environment of Northern Ireland for everyone and I will ensure that this work continues. We all benefit from our wonderful environment whether it be as businesses, farmers, landowners, anglers, families, visitors and in many other roles.

"NIEA will work to inspire and empower everybody towards taking responsibility for their environment. The Agency boasts a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion in environmental conservation and protection. My staff are here to help in very practical ways, such as providing information, guidance, advice, grant aid and specific assistance to all those who ask for it."

Having graduated from Queens University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Mr McMillen joined the Water Service (now Northern Ireland Water) where he worked for 29 years, before moving to the Department of Finance and Personnel and on to the Office of the First and deputy First Minister.

Notes to editors:

1. John McMillen was appointed Chief Executive for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in January 2010. John joined the Northern Ireland Environment Agency from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister where, since 2006, he had worked as Deputy Secretary with a wide remit including Review of Public Administration Implementation (RPAI), Resource Management, International Relations and Regeneration of Former Military Sites.

From 2002 John was in the Department of Finance and Personnel for 4 years where he led the creation of the Central Procurement Directorate which merged the Construction Service and the Government Purchasing Agency. Prior to this, John worked for Water Service for 29 years in various roles, finishing as Director of Development.

He is a graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast and a Chartered Civil Engineer. He has previously been Chairman of the Northern Ireland Region of the Institute of Civil Engineers and also the Northern Ireland Branch of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management

2. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency is the largest Agency within the DOE with over 800 staff. The aim of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is to protect, conserve and promote the natural environment and built heritage of Northern Ireland. More information on the work of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency can be found on their website.

3. Media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.