Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness today joined Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to meet villagers in Ballykelly to update them on the latest developments at Shackleton Barracks and to mark the start of work on the new DARD headquarters.
The visit comes on the heels of last week’s news that the former military base is to be sold to the MJM Group and that planning permission was granted for DARD to build its new HQ on an adjoining section of the 716 acre site.
Mr McGuinness said recent approval of the DARD planning application combined with the private investment by MJM Group we announced last week put Ballykelly and the North West on a “different trajectory.”
He added: “This combination of private sector and public sector working alongside each other to develop and sustain the vast site means the entire community in Ballykelly benefits. This isn’t just about people in public sector jobs moving and keys changing hands, it is a culture shift and gear change in how Government operates.
“Having visited the Orchard Community Playgroup and called in to meet local traders there is a real renewed energy and enthusiasm in the area. I commend Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, and all those working on this project, for getting the development to this stage.”
Ms O’Neill said she was confident the new rural headquarters would “revolutionise” the way her Department served rural and farming customers as well as bringing a long-awaited economic boost to the local construction industry, Ballykelly village and wider North West.
She added: “We want to act as a catalyst to help create new jobs and secure existing employment. Some of our DARD staff have already relocated to the area in advance of the relocation and, as we witnessed here today, are starting to establish links with the local community and become part of village life.”
During their visit to Ballykelly, the Ministers met with traders, the local community association and a playgroup.
Their first appointment was with staff and children at Orchard Community Playgroup which helps pre-school children from disadvantaged backgrounds catch up in areas, including vocabulary and social skills.
Here, they mucked in and gave a helping hand as DARD staff, who have already relocated, took part in a spring-clean at the playgroup.
Photo shows the Ministers and pupils planting a tree in the grounds of Orchard Community Playgroup in Ballykelly. Included are Gail Downey, DARD staff member, and Tara Del Cooper, playgroup leader. (Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography)
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