News
18th December 09
12/18/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has hit out at the idea of an alliance between DARD, DSD and DFP concerning the proposed social development at the former site of Forkhill Army barracks.
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has hit out at the idea of an alliance between DARD, DSD and DFP concerning the proposed social development at the former site of Forkhill Army barracks.
Mr Elliott was speaking after it was bought to his attention that a mechanism was been developed whereby DARD intended to transfer over £1 million to the Department of Social Development by a process that was being instigated by way of an arrangement with these two Departments and the Department of Finance and Personnel.
In a statement, Mr Elliott said: "Since this issue was first raised, I have always made it clear that I was opposed to DARD’s leading involvement. My major concern is that it appears DARD is keen on taking the lead role in the development and becoming the lead funder of the project. There are other departments in Northern Ireland that are better placed to deal with these mainly social matters in Northern Ireland, and in particular of course the Department for Social Development. If DARD engages this project in the lead role it will set a precedent whereby all towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland may then expect the department to provide funding for similar projects to that proposed at forkhill."
"This £1 million could be much better invested to deal with mainstream agricultural and rural concerns. There are many examples that the farming and rural communities could suggest for this scale of investment instead of something that is not DARD responsibility."
"I would like to make it clear that I am not against development at Forkhill, but it is of the utmost importance that it is delivered through the correct departments and funded from the correct sources. If DARD is genuinely interested in helping with social housing they should firstly look at the many rural homeowners who find that they cannot receive replacement or renovation grant from NIHE as almost all of these projects have ceased due to funding shortage."
"It is imperative that this serious issue is given more thought and that DARD do not try to push this proposal through. DARD really need to ensure they are not moving outside their boundaries. It would simply be counterproductive and inefficient."
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