Kimmins Appoints Two Members to Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Board

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has appointed Austin Smyth to serve a first term and reappointed Fiona Hanna as Non-Executive Members on the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA).

The Authority has responsibility, under a series of Harbour Acts and Orders, for developing, maintaining, and operating Warrenpoint Port to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Minister Kimmins said: “I am pleased to announce these important appointments. I am confident that Fiona and Austin will use their combined significant skills and experience to aid the Executive team and enhance the Board in the task of operating, maintaining and improving the harbour in the years ahead."

With over 40 years’ experience, Professor Austin Smyth has advised on port development in various countries from Oman to Ireland. As Director General of Ireland’s NITL he promoted best practice in logistics and supply chain management. He has held professorships at four UK universities and has served on/engaged with boards in the electric vehicle, transport and logistics and supply chain sectors, as well as being director of his own consultancy practice and has served as Examining Inspector for strategic infrastructure at the Planning Inspectorate (England & Wales). Austin also holds a retaining role as Expert Advisor to the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment, Department for Communities, for which he receives a daily rate of £250 on attendance.

Fiona Hanna is a Chartered Accountant with a range of experience across finance and business including positions as an independent advisor and a non-executive director. Currently Fiona’s primary role is jointly running an arable farming enterprise in County Down, managing this alongside her advisory portfolio. Fiona is a Trustee and Board Member of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and serves as Chair of their Audit Committee. Fiona has just completed her first term as a Board Member of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and is pleased to have been reappointed for a second term to the Authority’s Board. She holds no other public appointments.