DARD HQ transfer to Ballykelly '˜on course' says Michelle O'Neill

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill looking over plans for the new headquarters for DARD in Ballykelly.

In a statement, Michelle O’Neill said: “The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be the biggest employer in East Derry with the relocation of the DARD headquarters to Ballykelly.

“Contrary to some commentary, work on the Headquarters is on course to begin in July, and a minimum of 250 staff are expected to be in the new Ballykelly headquarters by the end of 2017.

“That number will increase incrementally year on year following that. This is to ensure a smooth transition to the new headquarters and no disruption to the service provided to our agricultural sector.”

The minister was speaking just days after the Department for Agriculture confirmed that it could now be 2029 before all 600 employees transferring to its new Ballykelly headquarters are in place.