A major regeneration project for the former military barracks at Forkhill in South Armagh has been mooted.

The eight-acre hilltop site overlooking Forkhill was vacated several years ago by the Army, but until now little progress had been made in deciding its future.

However, with the completion of an economic appraisal and intensive dialogue with a range of local stakeholders, the NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has announced his Department is acquiring the site so that the regeneration can now get underway.

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Minister Attwood said: "In anticipation of acquiring the Forkhill ex-military site, my Department had already carried out some initial masterplanning work. This means we are now in a position to move forward quickly with the regeneration.

"The main elements of the regeneration could include up to 20 houses, community leisure and recreational facilities, a crèche and a play park and customised economic infrastructure including enterprise units.

"There is also scope for a health and welfare facility. It will be all about jobs, homes and wellbeing - although we will consult closely with the local community before these elements are finalised," he explained.

(CD/BMcC)