Darren has had a passion for heritage since early childhood. He works with individuals and groups involved in intangible, cultural, natural, and built heritage and outdoor recration.
Over the past 15 years Darren has worked in various heritage, access and sustainable tourism roles. He has an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation.
He works for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. In his role he has overall responsibility for the development and management of the Mourne, Gullion and Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark; two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): The Ring of Gullion and Strangford & Lecale, as well as a lead role in the management of three Marine Protected Areas: Strangford, Murlough and Carlingford.
Darren has been involved in and led several domestic and international partnerships. Most notable are: the ongoing work of the AONBs, several upland erosion control and path projects, a Landscape Partnership Scheme and the Atlantic CultureScape project.
Darren is also a member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland Committee. He is a member of Northern Ireland's Protected Areas Network and of the Ulster Maritime Heritage management committee as well as a director on the Northern Ireland Envirnoment Link’s Board.
Through his work and voluntary roles, Darren has forged strong partnerships in natural and intangible heritage locally, nationally and across Europe. Through his various roles he wants to use his networks and experience to help groups positively engage with our landscapes and heritage.
Director of Economy, Regeneration and Tourism | Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
