Dallat: Shackleton could produce ‘nothing but nettles’

The SDLP MLA has voiced concern that despite as much as £8.1 million that may have to be spent on the former Shackleton army barracks in Ballykelly the massive site will end up growing nettles and producing nothing.

“The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, which acquired the site in October 2011, have revealed the estimated cost for decontaminating the former base could be as much as £8.1 million; with maintenance costs of £310,756 up until the end of the last financial year.

“In the last 12 months, there have been in excess of 60 enquiries from potential investors in the site. It is concerning that so much money has been spent yet not a simple, viable project has been identified, or a job created.

“Clearly missing is a master plan for the site, which would focus attention on the strengths and opportunities that exist on the site for a range of job creation activities, including industry, tourism and commerce.

“My fear is that this will turn out to be another ‘former site’, growing nettles and producing nothing.”