Infrastructure Minister Kimmins appoints Councillor to the Drainage Council
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins has appointed Mark Robinson to serve as a Non-Executive Councillor Member on the Drainage Council.
The appointment took effect on the 5 January 2026 and will be for a maximum of four years.
Minister Kimmins said:
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark to the Drainage Council. The Council plays a crucial role in scrutinising our drainage and flood defences across the North, and I am confident that his contribution will uphold the high standards set by its members.”
The Drainage Council is a non-Departmental Public Body established under the Drainage (NI) Order 1973. It performs a general scrutiny role in relation to the Department’s drainage functions and has a statutory duty to ensure uniformity of treatment on drainage issues throughout the North. This includes overseeing the impartial and consistent application of drainage and flood defence works, and, designating watercourses and sea defences for maintenance at public expense.
Notes to editors:
- The power to appoint members to the Drainage Council lies solely with the Minister for Infrastructure as stipulated under schedule 1 to the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 rather than the Department.
- The Department’s responsibilities include the management of flood risk. This involves undertaking watercourse and coastal flood management in a sustainable manner. The Drainage Council exists to perform a general scrutiny role in relation to the Department’s drainage functions and has a statutory duty to ensure uniformity of treatment on drainage issues throughout Northern Ireland. The Council’s membership is set out in legislation (Schedule 1 of the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.
- The Drainage Council Northern Ireland consists of up to 10 representatives from local Councils, two ex-officio members who are officials within the Department and ‘specialist’ representatives from various backgrounds including: drainage; agriculture; fisheries; industry; conservation; and tourism.
- The appointments are non-remunerated.
- The Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. Mark has declared that he has undertaken political activity on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
- The appointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.
- Biography
Mark Robinson
Mark has served as a Councillor for Clogher Valley DEA on Mid Ulster District Council since 2022. He was Chair of the Planning Committee in 2024/25 and also sits on the Environment Committee and the Tullyvar Joint Working Committee, where he has held the position of Vice Chair since 2023. He is a Board Member of the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) and actively contributes to community and environmental initiatives. Mark is Chair of the Fivemiletown District Cultural & Sports Association, a member of the SHINE (Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus) Working Group, and serves as Secretary and player for STORM WBC (Wheelchair Basketball Club). Professionally, Mark is a farmer and landowner. He holds no other public appointments.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk .
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