Minister denies DARD jobs pull-out

The Minister behind plans to move hundreds of civil service jobs to Ballykelly has denied speculation the move could soon fall apart.

Local MLA George Robinson highlighted contrary speculation with the Minister, while another local MLA, John Dallat, said the Minister needs to give assurances that the move is for real.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill announced in November 2012 that she was to move her Department’s headquarters from Dundondald House in Belfast to the site of the former Shackleton army barracks in Ballykelly.

The move has been long awaited in the Limavady Borough, with calls from both local politicians and business representatives for more swift action to bring the jobs to the area.

Now, the Minister has been forced to step in to quash speculation the move might not go ahead at all. During an exchange with local MLAs at Stormont this week, Mrs O’Neill said: “I have a commitment to make sure that we decentralise, and I am absolutely committed to the headquarters move. I am not going to lead staff up the garden path.”

Local MLA George Robinson sought assurances from the Minister, asking: “Given the recent contrary speculation, will the Minister give the definitive timeline for the relocation of her departmental headquarters to Ballykelly?”

Michelle O’Neill replied: “The business case has been agreed. As you know, we set it out on a phased basis, and we are hopeful that we will have staff in place in 2017.”