'Landmark day' as bulldozers move into to demolish Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly

Bulldozers moved into the grounds of Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly today, to begin work on a major development to transform the site into the new Department of Agriculture and Rural Development headquarters.

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness was joined by Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin MLA, Cathal Ó hOisín and local councillors (pictured) to watch as bull dozers began to demolish the former army base.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Ó hOisín, said: “Today is a landmark day for Ballykelly as work on site commenced and plans were unveiled for the site’s future role.

“The Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill stated that she hoped the first occupants in the new DARD headquarters would be on site by 2017 and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness revealed that there is a lot of interest in the site from many companies.

“This is a vast site that has the potential to be divided up into a mixture of industrial, social and office space able to attract all types of jobs.

“This is great news for the region especially the Limavady and Ballykelly area and as the plans are brought to fruition they have the potential to improve the entire economic prospects for the better.

“I look forward to working with the site managers in helping to attract new investors into the Ballykelly area and seeing the site developed for the betterment of all the people in this area.”