Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has appointed Mark Robinson to serve as a Non-Executive Councillor Member on the Drainage Council.

The appointment took effect on 5 January 2026 and will run for up to four years. Appointments to the Council are non-remunerated and, under Schedule 1 to the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973, are made solely by the Minister for Infrastructure.

Minister Kimmins said: "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark to the Drainage Council. The Council plays a crucial role in scrutinising our drainage and flood defences across the North, and I am confident that his contribution will uphold the high standards set by its members."

The Drainage Council is a non-departmental public body established under the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973. It provides independent scrutiny of the Department’s drainage functions and has a statutory duty to ensure uniformity of treatment on drainage matters across Northern Ireland. Its remit includes overseeing the impartial and consistent application of drainage and flood defence works, and designating watercourses and sea defences for maintenance at public expense.

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The Council's membership comprises up to 10 representatives from local councils, two ex-officio departmental officials, and specialist members drawn from sectors including drainage, agriculture, fisheries, industry, conservation and tourism. Appointments are made in line with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland's Code of Practice. The Commissioner requires the publication of any political activity by appointees; Mark Robinson has declared activity on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in selection.

Robinson has been a councillor for the Clogher Valley DEA on Mid Ulster District Council since 2022. He served as Chair of the Planning Committee in 2024/25 and sits on the Environment Committee and the Tullyvar Joint Working Committee, where he has been Vice Chair since 2023. He is a Board Member of the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) and contributes to community and environmental initiatives. He chairs the Fivemiletown District Cultural & Sports Association, is a member of the SHINE (Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus) Working Group, and serves as Secretary and player for STORM WBC (Wheelchair Basketball Club). Professionally, he is a farmer and landowner and holds no other public appointments.