Major job cuts as army bases close

Around 1,500 civilian jobs are to be cut as part of the military normalisation programme in Northern Ireland.

The government will retain just 11 bases and sites for Northern Ireland's peacetime army garrison instead of 14, which was originally planned.

Closures will include the headquarters for the Royal Irish Regiment, St Patrick's base in Ballymena, Co Antrim; Shackleton Barracks at Ballykelly, Co Derry; and St Lucia Barracks, Omagh, Co Tyrone, which will be shut within the next two years.

Troops levels in Northern Ireland will also be cut to just 5,000 by July 31 2007.

The civilian workforce of 3,400 will be reduced by 1,500, with another 340 new post expected to be created to support the new military arrangements, however retraining will be required.

Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram, said: "The Ministry of Defence has thoroughly researched the requirements of the future peacetime garrison and taking all factors into consideration - not least efficiency and value for money - has now identified the bases most fit-for-purpose.

"Inevitably, there will be a substantial number of surplus posts as a result of the wider security normalisation programme but every effort will be made to lessen the impact of redundancy with transfer and voluntary retirement.

Mr Ingram continued: "The Department fully recognises the magnificent support to the military over the past 35 years by its civilian staff, and is committed to engaging and supporting them at every stage of this period of change."

Ministry of Defence officials have begun a 90-day consultation process with trade unions over how the changes will be implemented, which will discuss redundancy packages and special enhancements.

Today's announcement comes after the IRA's decommissioning of weapons in 2005.

The closures are part of Operation Banner, the name given to the support given to the Northern Ireland Police Force by the Army during the Troubles.

It is the longest running Operation in British Army history, having lasted for 35-years.

It will end on August 1 and will be a major part of the 'normalisation process' in Northern Ireland.

Over the next 12 months, the five remaining watchtowers in south Armagh will be demolished and army presence will have been withdrawn from most police stations.

(EF/SP)