Minister welcomes new head of Northern Ireland Environment Agency
1 February 2010
Environment Minister Edwin Poots recently 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 twenty nine years, before moving to the Department of Finance and Personnel, and on to the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister.
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