The airports and harbours divisions of the Department of Infrastructure have been merged.
Minister David Cretney MHK said despite the change, it would be ‘business as usual’ for staff in both divisions.
He said that initially, the merger will be an ‘interim situation’ while work continues regarding the review of the structure and Scope of Government.
Ann Reynolds, who previously held the position of airport director, will lead the new division as the new ports director from today (Thursday).
Announcing the change, Mr Cretney said: ‘I do believe that bringing these two divisions together under one director is a policy change that fits well with the ongoing work of making Government more efficient.
‘And whilst this is an interim position at the start, I am sure that this will proceed well, given the independent overview I commissioned before taking this step.’
The move follows the retirement of Captain Michael Brew.
He spent more than 30 years as director of harbours.
Mr Cretney said: ‘I wish Captain Brew a happy retirement and thank him for his years within the department, and wish Ann Reynolds good luck with the new Ports Division.
‘I believe that bringing the two teams of people together, under one director, is the right thing to do.’
The Minister said that he had ‘decided to retain political oversight of this change in the time ahead to ensure a smooth transition’.
