Belfast – Development Plans 2014

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Come and listen to FOUR of Belfast’s most influential figures presenting their Development Plans for the next 12/24 months.

In Association with:       Event Sponsored by:

Event Format

• 1400 – 1500; Sponsors Lunch (Invite ONLY)
• 1530 – 1600; Registration
• 1600 – 1645; Networking with Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks
• 1645 – 1815; Speaker Presentations
• 1815 – 1900; Networking with Hot Food, Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks
• 1900 – Late; After Event Drinks

Speakers

John McGrillen – Director of Regeneration, Belfast City Council

In March 2010, John joined Belfast City Council as Director of Development responsible for council’s role in European affairs, economic development, tourism culture and arts, city events, planning and transport, community services and neighbourhood development, and the management of St George’s and Smithfield Markets and the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall. The Development Department’s purpose is “to play a key role in supporting the council to improve quality of life by creating a city which is competitive, connected, confident and cohesive.”

Patrick McMeekin – Economic Advisor, Strategic Investment Board

Patrick joined SIB in 2008 working primarily with the team responsible for developing the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.  Since then his areas of work have expanded considerably and he has provided advice on a range of projects; most recently, in working with the DHSSPS and Health Trusts in taking forward the Primary Care Programme and the Forest Service in relation to specific commercialisation opportunities.

As a Chartered Accountant, Patrick’s background is predominantly in financial and consulting roles, and prior to joining SIB has over eight years combined experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte.

Carol Ramsey – Project Director, Department of Social Development in Northern Ireland

Carol Ramsey is a chartered Town Planner with over 30 years experience working in both the private and public sector. The early part of her career she spent in the housing sector working in NIHE and as Director of Development with a leading Housing Association.

Carol joined DOE Planning service in the early 90’s and spent 10 years progressing her career, working  in development control, development plan and planning policy in Belfast and a number of other regional offices.

Carol took up her post in Belfast City Centre Regeneration (BCCRD) at DSD in 2002 with specific responsibility to spearhead the Comprehensive Redevelopment Scheme at Victoria Square.

She then took up the role of Head of Regeneration Policy within the BCCRD dealing with all regeneration policy and implementation processes in the City Centre within the remit of DSD.

In August 2012 Carol was promoted to Project Director in BCCRD with responsibility for taking forward Royal Exchange the next comprehensive mixed use scheme in Beast City Centre.

DSD is Northern Ireland’s regeneration authority and its role is to give direction on government regeneration policy and approach.

In Belfast City Centre, DSD is working with Belfast City Council, the private sector and other stakeholders to implement a retail-led mixed use regeneration programme designed to reinstate the city centre as Northern Ireland’s primary retail office and tourist destination.

Carol sits on the Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (N.I. Region).

Carol is a member of the Board of Clanmil Housing association.

Ciaran de Burca – Director of Transport Projects Division, Northern Ireland Strategic Investment Board

Ciarán is the Director of Transport Projects Division in the Department for Regional Development.

He has responsibility for a number of transportation projects including Belfast Rapid Transit, Belfast on the Move, Public Transport Reform, E-Car and Park & Ride.

Ciarán, a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of Engineers Ireland, has a wide range of experience in managing, planning, designing and the implementation of major transportation policies and projects.