Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy announced new appointments to the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) following open public competition.

The appointments are for a three year period, effective from 1 July 2008.

The minister said: "John Trethowen, Sean Hogan and Angela Coffey are being appointed for the first time and will bring a wide range of valuable experience to NITHC."

Mr Murphy also confirmed that existing non-executive directors Veronica Palmer (Chairman), John Doran, Gerry Lennon and Ruth Laird will serve for a further period of three years having been appointed in July 2005 after an open competition. In addition, Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive was recently appointed upon taking up post in March, and Jim Aiken, Company Secretary of NITHC has been re-appointed for a period of three years, as a result of their respective positions at Translink and the Holding Company.

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The minister continued: "The public competition to recruit new board members attracted a range of highly skilled candidates. I consider that the three non-executive directors appointed as a result of the competition will ensure that NITHC continues to have a strong and representative Board.

"Under the leadership of the Chairman, Veronica Palmer, who will continue to serve in this capacity until 30 June 2011, I am confident the new board will provide the strategic direction necessary to encourage continued growth in the provision of an effective public transport service."

The minister concluded by thanking outgoing NITHC Board members, Dan Harvey, Ray Bentley and Peter Bunting for their valuable contribution to the board over the last six years.

(JM/KMcA)