Minister Mallon announces appointments of Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillors to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has announced the appointment of three Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillors to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA).
The Board is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving Warrenpoint Port. The Minister has appointed Councillor Karen McKevitt, Councillor Cathy Mason and Councillor Glyn Hanna.
Councillors McKevitt and Mason have been appointed for a first term with effect from 1 March 2020. Councillor Hanna has been appointed to a second term effective from 22 August 2020.
The Councillors were nominated by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and appointed following a selection process.
Minister Mallon said:
“I congratulate Councillors Hanna, McKevitt and Mason on their appointment to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. I am confident that their experience and knowledge of local issues will add significant value to the work of the Authority and its continued role in contributing to the local community and the wider regional economy.”
The Minister also paid tribute to the outgoing Board Member, saying:
“I would also thank Councillor Sean Doran for his valuable contribution to the WHA Board during his tenure.”
These appointments have been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland’s Code of Practice.
Notes to editors:
- Warrenpoint Harbour Authority is a corporate body, having perpetual succession and was first constituted by the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 1971. Its constitution is now enshrined in the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 2002. Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Orders of 1971 and 2002 conferred powers on the Authority to preserve, improve and manage the Port of Warrenpoint. The Authority also has the power to construct and maintain specific works, to levy dues, to deal with abandoned vessels and to make bylaws.
- The Harbour Authority Board has a membership of a Chair, two Executive Members, and seven Non-Executive Directors, this figure includes the three councillors from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The Non-Executive Directors currently receive remuneration of £7,497 per annum.
- Councillors are appointed to the Board in line with the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 2002, and can only serve as a Board Member if they remain a member of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The appointment is up to a maximum of four years.
- Councillor Hanna is a full time member of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and represents the Mournes Ward. He is a member of the Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourist Committee and the Planning Committee. He holds no other Public Appointment positions. Councillor Hanna is a current Non-Executive Member of WHA from 22 August 2016 to 21 August 2020.
- Councillor McKevitt is a full time member of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and represents Crotlieve Ward. She is a member of the Active and Healthy Communities Committee and Neighbourhood Services Committee. She is also Co-Chair of the Nuclear Free Local Authorities Forum and a member of NILGA.
- Councillor Mason is a full time member of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and represents the Slieve Croob Ward. She is a member of the Panning Committee, the Active and Healthy Committee, Neighbourhood Services, the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh Committee and the Climate Change and Sustainability Working Group.
- All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. Councillor Hanna has declared that he has undertaken political activities for the Democratic Unionist Party. Councillor McKevitt has declared that she has undertaken political activities for the Social Democrat and Labour Party. Councillor Mason has declared that she has undertaken political activities for Sinn Fein.
- The Department for Infrastructure does not appoint board members automatically to a second term. All appointments are made through open competition.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 028 9037 8110 and your call will be returned.
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