Council meets with Northern Ireland’s first Veterans’ Commissioner

November 26, 2020

Danny Kinahan has visited the civic headquarters of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in his role as the first Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner.

The council’s Veterans’ Champion Alderman James Tinsley and Chief Executive David Burns met with Mr Kinahan and Alan Murphy to discuss how through partnership working we can support our ex-servicemen and women across the Lisburn Castlereagh area.

Alderman James Tinsley, the council’s Veterans’ Champion speaking about the meeting, said: “We are delighted that the NI Veterans’ Commissioner has been appointed and with his military background Danny will be an asset in this role.  Our council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017 in recognition of the cross-party support for our local Armed Forces personnel.  This covenant is our public pledge to continue to support the local Armed Forces community: the Army, the Naval Service and the Royal Air Force.

“As a council we work closely with Thiepval Barracks and the Lisburn Branch of the Royal British Legion to encourage attendance of their communities at local events and to support them in initiatives they are running.  Last year, we had the privilege of welcoming several generations of Armed Forces personnel and veterans to Lisburn as part of the regional Armed Forces Day celebrations.  It was fantastic to see over 15,000 watch the parade of servicemen and women and veterans through our city before enjoying a fun day of traditional and modern activities in Wallace Park.”

David Burns, Chief Executive added: “The council will work closely with the first NI Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure that our local veterans can access support and services to assist them to adapt to civilian life after retirement.  As a council we are committed to remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedom of others; and supporting those who are still serving in the Armed Forces and living within our communities with their families.”

Danny Kinahan, Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner commented: “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has always been excellent supporters of the military and especially veterans. Having taken part in their Op Banner parade and experienced the support of the public, it was especially good to meet with council and discuss how we can better support veterans and recognise their service well into the future. They deserve a huge thank you.”

Please note the accompanying photo was taken on the 11th November.