DARD re-location is welcomed

He said: “Shackleton Barracks is a site that has so many positive points for DARD, there is a good road network, a willing local workforce, the ability to have a state of the art new build to match the functions and requirements of DARD, the importance that a major government department will play in rebuilding the economy of the North West and that an anchor project such as DARD will undoubtedly encourage other investment in the area. There is even a runway should the department require one.

“The announcement bolsters our rural hinterland with firstly construction and then permanent positions benefiting local shops which are the result of stable employment.

“In the then Minister’s reply to my letter of January 14th 2011, she stated that “I am grateful for your suggestion of the former Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly” (for the new HQ). In fact DARD was so grateful Ballykelly is to be the recipient of a major boosts for jobs and the local economy at my suggestion”.

“It is impossible to underestimate the importance of this decision by DARD, or the 800 jobs associated with the announcement, and I welcome it for the people currently unemployed and for the future of our young people.”