A building contractor is to be appointed after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council granted planning permission for a new headquarters to be developed for the Department for Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD).

The new headquarters are to be built on the former Shackleton army barracks in Ballykelly and it is hoped construction will begin on site this summer.

Agriculture Development Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I hope the building will become part of village life so have ensured it is designed with facilities that can be opened up and used by the local community. It will complement the established and distinctive surroundings while providing a modern working environment for staff. The open plan offices will also offer them stunning views of Binevenagh and the Sperrins, and across Lough Foyle to Inishowen."

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East Derry Sinn Féin candidate Caoimhe Archibald said: "I am delighted planning permission has now been granted for the new Department of Agriculture headquarters for Ballykelly.

"Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill announced last year she was moving her headquarters onto the former Shackleton Army base at Ballykelly transferring over 600 jobs into the North West.

"This has the potential to transform the economic fortunes not only of the former British Army site but the entire North West region."

(CD)