East Derry MLA John Dallat has expressed concern that despite £8.1 million being spent on a former army barracks in Ballykelly, the site could end up growing nettles and producing nothing.
The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, which acquired the former Shackleton army barracks site in October 2011, have revealed the estimated cost for decontaminating the former base could be as much as £8.1 million; with maintenance costs of £310,756 up until the end of the last financial year.
Mr Dallat said despite there being over 60 enquiries from potential investors in the site, he was concerned that so much money had been spent yet not a “simple, viable” project had been identified or a job created.
In the last 12 months, there have been in excess of 60 enquiries from potential investors in the site. It is concerning that so much money has been spent yet not a simple, viable project has been identified, or a job created.
Mr Dallat added: “Clearly missing is a masterplan for the site, which would focus attention on the strengths and opportunities that exist on the site for a range of job creation activities, including industry, tourism and commerce.”
He concluded: “My fear is that this will turn out to be another ‘former site’, growing nettles and producing nothing.”
