RDC appoint two new Council members

The Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) has announced the appointment of two new Council Board members.

James Currie and Roy Hanna both have significant experience working with and for people in rural areas.

Roy has been involved in a number of community and voluntary organizations since 1991, gaining experience at varying levels in community development, youth work and cross community work, all of which has been focused in rural areas. During this time Roy has engaged in a variety of education and training courses to complement this involvement gaining a Diploma in Community Development and Community Education. and a Combined Studies degree (Sociology / Community Development BSC) at the University of Ulster. Roy sits on the Joint Government and Voluntary Sector Panel, Leader + Monitoring Committee, Rural Development Sub-Group of the Department of Agriculture’s Stakeholders Forum and North South Rural Voice. He was involved with TADA Rural Support Network for ten years, serving as Chairperson from 1998 –2004. At a local level Roy sits on the Lisburn Strategy Partnership and was elected Chairperson in 2003, he is also a founder-serving member of Aghalee Development Association Roy has previously served as Chairperson of Rural Community Network.

James Currie is a retired schoolteacher. He was Chairman of the North Eastern Education and Library Board for two years, is a past president of the District Policing Board and is a member of various organizations including Northern Ireland Local Government Association, North Eastern Education and Library Board, Harryville Community Association and Kells and Connor Community Association. He is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and has served both as Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Ballymena Borough Council. He also holds an M.B.E for Services to Local Government.

Notes to Editor:

The Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) is independently managed by a 15 member council drawn from representatives of the broad rural community constituencies. The RDC plays a vital role in influencing rural development policy, developing and delivering practical programmes, sharing information and building effective partnerships.

For further information, please contact:

Aileen Donnelly – Communications Officer

Telephone: 028 8676 6980 adonnelly@rdc.org.uk