The Ulster Unionist Party has raised serious concerns over the cost of relocating the former Department of Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) headquarters to Ballykelly in Limavady.

Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson, Harold McKee MLA, is calling on the Agricultural Minister Michelle O'Neill to consider revisiting the issue to ensure value for money exists and that other possible locations, such as the Driver and Vehicle Agency offices in Coleraine, are considered.

JH Turkington and Sons was awarded a £12 million contract to develop the new headquarters.

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Mr McKee said: "It is disappointing that the previous two Agriculture Ministers used their important role to pursue their own flawed political agenda. An example is the proposed relocation of the old DARD headquarters to Ballykelly, despite widespread concerns. Costs for the project are growing significantly, with the recent estimates now in excess of £41 million, with over £10 million in this year's Budget alone. In addition, value for money for the project has never been demonstrated, and officials from several Departments have expressed deep concern. Even the former Finance Minister Sammy Wilson refused to sign off on the project, not least, I suspect, because only an outline business case was ever produced. In fact, the only option considered was to relocate to Ballykelly.

"If the costs of the project cannot be contained, it will be farmers and rural communities who will be left paying the price for years to come."

(CD/LM)