Three Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites in the NI are to be closed as part of UK-wide restructuring announced by Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon.

Ballykinler, Abercon and the Newtownards Airfield site are to be closed alongside 56 other MOD sites.

Making the announcement in the Commons, Secretary Fallon said that the strategy "looks ahead to 2040 to provide a better defence estate".

He continued: "An estate that supports a more efficient and effective military capability, an estate that gives our armed forces a world class base from which to work, and an estate that helps defence keep Britain safe and to promote our prosperity."

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It is understood that the MOD plan will see the site being sold in an effort to save £140m per year.

DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, has reportedly described the announcement as "sad", but said it was an opportunity as well. Mr Dunner said he wished to pay tribute to the Army and civilians who have worked at Kinnegar for many year, and that it was "not just a place of employment, it was a large part of local community life where people lived and worked together."

He added that he would be working with the Economy Minister and Invest NI in an effort to secure the future of the site.

(MH)