Plans for a major redevelopment of Dairy Farm Shopping Centre in Dunmurry, Co Antrim have been approved.

NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said: "This is a welcome investment boost for the area providing 200 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs on completion. The new development will see the current centre replaced by a much-needed high-quality modern development for the area.

"When complete, the new Dairy Farm Shopping Centre will not only provide permanent employment opportunities but it will also benefit local businesses by providing quality premises close to main transport routes, a further positive outcome in support of the Northern Ireland economy."

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The Minister added: "This reaffirms my commitment to ensure that timely decisions are made on major planning applications. It is another example of the benefits to developers and the wider community of pre-application discussion."

John McIlhone of J P Properties, the developers who brought forward the plans for the redevelopment of the site within the Colin area said: "The redevelopment will have an immediate impact on job creation as it is estimated that the build will take approximately 24 months to complete, providing up to 200 construction jobs.

"This is excellent news in an area that has 42% of the unemployed in the Lisburn City Council area."

The plans will see the construction of a brand new retail outlet and will include a food superstore, retail units, office units, retail services and petrol filling station. The scheme also includes a gym and the retention of the existing library.

West Belfast MP and Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams has also welcomed the investment.

Mr Adams said: "Given recent economic hardship, these proposals are coming forward at a good time for local construction workers and the local community."

(NS/BMcC)