William (Billy to many) McCoubrey FCIHT was president of the Institution between 1998 -1999.

Billy first joined IHT as the Institution was then known in 1972. He became a committee member of CIHT Northern Ireland in 1976 and was Chair from 1985 / 6.

He held many roles within CIHT including the Executive Board, Council, Highways and Infrastructure and Membership Boards. He was first coopted to Piarc (formerly the World Road Association in 1995 and remained an active interest in this organisation.

A Chartered Engineer, Billy was also a fellow of ICE, IHE Ireland and admitted to the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Paviors in June 1998.  

Billy graduated from Queen’s University in Civil Engineering in 1960. He joined the County Surveyor’s Office Department at Down County Council. Roles included New Roads Construction, Materials Testing Station over the next 13 years. He transferred to Roads Service of the Department of the Environment upon the reorganisation of Local Government in Northern Ireland in October 1973. 

Throughout his career, Billy held a variety of posts including in maintenance and minor improvements, the development and implementation of a Northern Ireland wide Radio Telephone System for the Roads Service, responsibility for the development, management and implementation of research and general services throughout Roads Service. He served for 8 years as the Divisional Roads Manager in the Craigavon Division before earning a promotion to Chief Engineer with responsibility for Professional and Technical Standards throughout the Roads Service. Billy became Director of the Roads Service in 1995 and through this role became Chief Executive in 1996. Billy retired from this role in 1999. 

Billy remained incredibly active within CIHT and the wider sector. He continued to be involved with CIHT Northern Ireland and had been a recent member of the Membership Board and the Transportation Professional Editorial panel. 

His leisure interests included photography, travel, music and hillwalking. 

Further information

On 7th December 2023, McCOUBREY, Billy passed away suddenly at his home in Ballynahinch.

Dearly loved husband of the late Mabel. Much loved Dad to Fiona, Linda and William. Cherished by Rachael, Max, Sophia, Zoe, Daniel, Paddy, Chris and Sam (his grandchildren) and Eloise (his great-granddaughter).

Donations to the Marie Curie Foundation are welcomed online via www.douglasfuneraldirectors.com  
Billy will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all the family, friends and colleagues.