Assembly member for Foyle Mark H Durkan has today (17 July) replaced his Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) colleague Alex Attwood as Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Department of the Environment.
Durkan was first elected to the assembly in 2011 and has been the party’s social development spokesperson. SDLP Party Leader Alasdair McDonnell said that Durkan represented “the emerging generation of the SDLP”, adding: "He has done an outstanding job as social development spokesperson, meticulously working through the Welfare Reform Bill.
"The party look forward to seeing Mark follow on the excellent work of Alex Attwood, who as Environment Minister has tackled the bureaucracy in our planning system by pursuing a progressive agenda.
"Alex has also been a watchdog at the Executive table, holding the First and Deputy First Minister to account over their failure to deliver a shared future."
Building on predecessor’s ‘hard work’
Speaking after today’s announcement, Durkan outlined what he hopes to achieve as Environment Minister, specifically highlighting the need to reduce waste to landfill and tackle waste crime. He said: “The Department of the Environment represents a diverse portfolio, covering a spectrum of both environmental and economic issues.
“Its work affects every citizen in Northern Ireland, whether that is in the form of local government, planning, natural and built heritage or road safety.
“Building on the hard work and success of my predecessor Alex Attwood, I will continue where he left off, ensuring planning works for citizens, tourism and the overall economy. Making decisions and clearing the backlog of applications is the correct way to progress and ensure clarity for those involved.
“Local government reform is well underway and I will drive the programme to ensure that we reach the goal of stronger, more efficient and more effective local government – local government which is focused on our citizens and responsive to local needs.
“Road fatalities have fallen in recent years, however the carnage and loss of life in the last week illustrates the need for me to continue to focus efforts in this area to make our roads safe for all users.
“I will also be robust in my approach to protecting the built and natural environments which make Northern Ireland such a unique place to live. This includes reducing the volume of waste going to landfill and also going after those who seek to damage our environment through waste crime.”
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