#BelfastBoard - Northern Ireland's Regional Development Minister, Michelle McIlveen has announced the appointment of four Belfast City Councillors to the Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC).

The Board is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving Belfast Port. 

The Minister has appointed Councillor Sonia Copeland, Councillor Mervyn Jones, Councillor Ciaran Beattie and Alderman Frank McCoubrey. The councillors were nominated by Belfast City Council and appointed following a selection process.

The appointments take effect from next Monday, 25 January and will last for as long as the appointee remains on the Council, up to a maximum of four years.

Michelle McIlveen said: “I congratulate Councillor Copeland, Councillor Jones, Councillor Beattie and Alderman McCoubrey on their appointment to the Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners. I am confident that their experience and knowledge of local issues will add significant value to the work of the Port and facilitate the continued efficient and effective development of the port’s business in the years ahead.”

The appointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.