Justice Minister David Ford has said he wants to see the new training college for the police, prison and fire officer services progress as quickly as possible.

Welcoming the submission of the full planning application for the £140million state of the art training college the Minister said it would be a world leader in its field.

The delivery of the Joint Public Services College is a Department of Justice commitment in the Programme for Government.

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With work expected to start at the college next year and a completion date of 2015, the project will create up to 2,000 construction jobs.

David Ford said: "This new college at Desertcreat is a significant investment by my Department and the Executive in the public services we all rely on to keep us safe.

"I know there is huge public support for this project and I am committed to see it progress as quickly as possible. The submission of the full planning application is an important milestone in its development and brings closer the day when work can start at Desertcreat.

"Once operational, this will be a world class facility, recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for training."

(CD/GK)