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18/02/2015
Businesses Urged To Take Advantage Of DARD Relocation
Businesses in the north west are being urged by the deputy First Minister and Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill to take advantage of the relocation of the Department of Agriculture to the area.
Minister O’Neill said her Department’s new multi-million pound headquarters will bring an economic boost to Ballykelly in County Londonderry.
She 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."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "I welcome this £20m 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."
(IT/MH)
Minister O’Neill said her Department’s new multi-million pound headquarters will bring an economic boost to Ballykelly in County Londonderry.
She 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."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "I welcome this £20m 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."
(IT/MH)
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