Over 150 Construction Jobs Announced With New Govt Dept HQ

A total of 155 full time construction jobs are to be created for the construction of a new government department headquarters in Ballykelly.

The contract, to build the new headquarters for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has been awarded to JH Turkington and Sons. The project will eventually see around 600 civil service jobs move to the north west and is the first time a government department has relocated its HQ to a rural area.

First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness joined Agriculture Minister, Michelle O'Neill to announce the £12 million contract.

Work will start immediately on the pre-construction design phase of the project, which will sustain some 155 full time construction jobs, with building work expected to start in July.

First Minister, Arlene Foster said: "Relocating Government department headquarters away from Belfast demonstrates the Executive's commitment to rural communities in Northern Ireland. The construction of the new headquarters offers businesses, in both Ballykelly and the wider area, huge economic opportunities. Hundreds of civil servants will work and shop in the village which, in turn, will help create many more additional service and supply jobs as well as secure existing employment."

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, added: "This project has been a catalyst for regeneration stimulating much needed job opportunities as well instilling the local community and businesses with renewed energy. The Executive is not just building a new headquarters, it is building confidence into the local economy and the local community with a significant jobs boost. I look forward to more positive developments at Ballykelly which will benefit all the people of the North West."

(MH)