DARD move is “massive economic boost for entire North West”
North West businesses are being urged by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill and the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to grasp the business opportunities that will come with DARD relocating to the area.
The Agriculture Minister was joined by the deputy First Minister to view demolition work at the former Shackleton military site and to meet with local traders and community representatives.
Minister O’Neill said her Department’s new multi-million pound headquarters will bring an economic boost to Ballykelly.
The Minister told members of the local community association and traders:”Relocating DARD headquarters to Ballykelly offers huge economic opportunities for businesses in both the town and the wider North West. Hundreds of civil servants will be coming to work, shop, eat and enjoy leisure pursuits here whilst, at the same time, helping to create many more additional service and supply jobs and secure existing employment.
“The building work, which we plan to start next year, will also bring a welcome boost to the local construction industry, local businesses and the rural economy.
“I have been encouraged by the latest figures which show that more than 1,500 civil servants have expressed an interest in working for DARD at Ballykelly. These statistics clearly demonstrate the very real appetite there is across the civil service for the Executive’s policy on relocation.
“We are now on target for the site clearance works to be completed by the end of April, when a planning application will be submitted for approval. I am hopeful the construction work will begin during 2016 and that staff, many from the local community, will be sitting at their new desks by the end of 2017.”
The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “I welcome this £20million investment which will provide a significant economic injection to the North West. This relocation will be a massive boost for residents, businesses, employees and visitors.
“The DARD headquarters will be a catalyst for change and regeneration stimulating much needed job opportunities not just in Ballykelly but across the North West. Moving an entire government department signals our intention to decentralise jobs and I commend Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill for her efforts in getting the development to this stage.
“We must deliver the maximum possible benefit from all public investment. The inclusion of social clauses in contracts for both the demolition and build will require purchasers and suppliers to protect the vulnerable, support the disadvantaged, develop the social economy, protect the environment and promote and benefit the local community.
“I look forward to more positive developments at Ballykelly which will benefit all the people of the North West.”
During their visit the Ministers met with the contractors and viewed demolition work to clear parts of the 14 acre site in advance of construction work. They also met with members of the Ballykelly Community Association and updated them on the timetable for the project.
Why are DARD spending money on demolition and construction works when there are already numerous admninistration buildings on the site that could be utilised? The key factor will be the number of people that relocate to the North West and given that 85%+ of existing staff have said in surveys that they would prefer not to move to the area that diminishes the economic benefit in the middle-long term. Why don’t they co-locate with CAFRE in Cookstown and move the Emergency Services “college” to Ballykelly where there are all the facilities that they would need with training rooms/areas, student accommodation, a roads complex, fires station, medical centre, helicopter and aircraft landing areas and canteens. It would free up money for capital investment in our road and rail infrastructure.