Richard Johnston appointed to Ministerial Infrastructure Advisory Panel

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Richard Johnston, Deputy Director, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC), has been appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure by the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, which will comprise of a small group of independent experts and key stakeholders with an interest in infrastructure.

The panel will also consider how an Infrastructure Commission for Northern Ireland might support more effectively the long-term planning and development of relevant infrastructure across the island of Ireland. The Ministerial Advisory Panel will focus on developing a proposal that will identify the specific role and value of a Commission and how it might be established and might operate. Its scope will reflect the ‘hard’ infrastructure that falls within the remit of the Department for Infrastructure, namely, water, drainage and inland waterways, public transport, roads and cycling infrastructure.

Richard brings a wealth of experience to the Infrastructure Advisory Panel having worked within Government, academia and the private sector to help grow the NI economy through public policy implementation, research and at firm level. He has strong record of publishing evidence-based research and policy advice. He has supported a range of public and private sector organisations at Executive and Board level to develop policies and projects that will boost long-term competitiveness, increase standards of living and wellbeing throughout Northern Ireland. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2008 following the financial crisis, Richard supported a range of organisations by developing strategies and policies to help navigate the economic impacts.

On his appointment, Richard Johnston said:

“I am delighted to have been one of a number of experts appointed to the ministerial advisory panel on infrastructure. I look forward to supporting Minster Mallon and panel members in considering the need for an Infrastructure Commission and how it might help the Minister in delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.”

Other members on the panel with Richard include Kirsty McManus of the Institute of Directors (Chair), Ashleen Feeney (KMPG), Jenny Green (ICE), Craig McGuckian (NI Environment Link) and Kaine Lynch (DoF).