About DfI - Planning, Safety and Transport Policy

Deputy Secretary - Julie Thompson

Julie is responsible for the Department’s planning functions and the Driver and Vehicle Agency.  She is also responsible for policy in respect of drainage and water and sewerage services and management of the Department’s shareholder interest in NI Water. 

Chief Planner and Director of Regional Planning – Angus Kerr

Angus is Director of Regional Planning which is responsible for the development of planning legislation and policy in line with Ministerial direction as well as providing advice and guidance on design, policy and practice. The Directorate is also responsible for the review, monitoring and implementation of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 which was published in March 2012.  

In addition, the Directorate provides support to the local councils in monitoring performance management and to bring forward continuous improvement initiatives.

Director of Strategic Planning – Alistair Beggs

Alistair is the Director of Strategic Planning which is responsible for processing planning applications deemed to be of regional significance or those which may be ‘called in’ from the local councils.

In addition, the Directorate carries out a plan scrutiny role as part of the new two-tier planning system.  

The Strategic Planning Directorate also takes forward work flowing from the Reinvestment & Reform Initiative specifically in relation to Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast and St. Lucia Barracks, Omagh.

Further information about Planning and the services available can be found here:

• DfI Planning
• Planning NI website

Acting Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency – Jeremy Logan

Jeremy is Acting Chief Executive of the Department’s only agency – the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).  The agency aims to deliver improved road safety and better regulation of the transport sector. Responsibilities include driver licensing, vehicle and driver testing, responsibility for those who drive for a living and roadside enforcement. 

Further information about DVA and its services can be found here:

• Driver and Vehicle Agency

Director of Water and Drainage Policy – Vacant

The Director of Water and Drainage Policy Directorate is responsible for the development and maintenance of the policy and regulatory environment to provide a modern, high quality water and sewerage service, at the lowest possible cost. The Directorate is also responsible for advising Ministers on policy in relation to the water and sewerage industry and for discharging the Department’s statutory and other duties under the Water & Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006.

In addition, the Directorate undertakes the Department’s sponsor role and shareholding interest in Northern Ireland Water (NIW).  This includes monitoring of NI Water’s business performance and engagement with the Company Board, Chair and Executive Team on strategic and shareholder matters.  The Directorate is responsible for paying customer subsidy to NI Water, making loans for investment, agreeing the Company’s annual budget and operating plan, and making appointments to the Board of NI Water.