Dr Alan Barr to boost ACE’s post election Northern Ireland business focus

New appointment to drive post General Election business activity ahead of local elections in 2016.

Antony Oliver
06 May 2015

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Water and flood management expert Dr Alan Barr has been appointed to lead the Association for Consultancy and Engineering’s activity across Northern Ireland as the new chairman for the region.

As technical director with RPS Northern Ireland, providing expert consulting engineering, planning and environmental services to both the public and private sectors, Barr is well placed to understand the opportunities and challenges facing the sector across the region.

“The intricacies of engaging with devolved governance means it is imperative that we have strong leadership in the region that can elevate the importance of ACE members to delivering the infrastructure ambitions for Northern Ireland,” Nelson Ogunshakin

“It is a privilege to accept the position as Chair of ACE’s Northern Ireland group," said Barr.

"My immediate aim is to be active and engaged with members, government officials, decision makers and wider stakeholders to ensure the voice of ACE is heard at every level of influence in Northern Ireland to help promote the best consultancy and engineering firms in the region.”

Barr takes over the Northern Ireland regional group role from Phil Carson of consultant Williams and Shaw. His appointment comes ahead one of the closest General Elections in a generation and in the run up to the Northern Ireland Assembly and local government elections in May 2016.

Throughout his career Barr has demonstrated successful business skills and leadership having worked to become one of Ireland’s leading experts in the field of river basin management planning, flood risk management and wetland restoration.  

Nelson Ogunshakin chief executive of ACE welcomed Barr into the challenging role at last month’s regional annual general meeting.

“The intricacies of engaging with devolved governance means it is imperative that we have strong leadership in the region that can elevate the importance of ACE members to delivering the infrastructure ambitions for Northern Ireland,” he said. “Alan is well placed to fulfil that role and has the full confidence of myself and the ACE Board to meet the exciting challenges that lie ahead”.

For further details on how to become involved with ACE’s Northern Ireland group please e-mail btaylor@acenet.co.uk