Strabane politician still “dismayed” by proposed DARD move

Mr Kelly said: “I continue to be dismayed that the Minister Michelle O’Neill is happy to proceed with relocating DARD headquarters to Ballykelly without first conducting an effective business case.

“This is compounded by a recent statement by the Minister which suggests such a decision was taken on factors such as socio-economic profile, deprivation and unemployment levels.

“Given the historic levels of underinvestment and resultant unemployment in Strabane surely relocating the site there is an imminently sensible option to at least give consideration to.

“If the Minister is committed to the decentralisation of DARD then she must seriously pursue a business case for the most suitable location. Strabane offers a viable solution given the number of sites that could be developed in the town.

“The people of Strabane need the Minister to be straight with them and explain why she is watering down the process of assessment for which site would prove the most suitable. She needs to do this immediately.”