Northern Ireland Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew has outlined the rationale behind her department's planned re-development of the Forkhill former army base.

The Minister spoke following a No Named Motion in the Assembly which argued that Department for Social Development should have responsibility for the development of the site.

"I am very concerned at the arguments being presented to prevent Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) working towards the creation of sustainable rural communities," she said. "Forkhill fits squarely within DARD's remit, however all Government Departments must work together if projects such as Forkhill are to be delivered."

The Minister said her department's involvement in the lead role for this project also sits well within the overall theme of its Rural Strategy 2007 - 2013, which is "Diversifying the rural economy, protecting the rural environment, and sustaining rural communities".

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Forkhill is "clearly rural" with a population of just under 3,000 people. DARD's involvement, the Minister said, fits well with the Programme for Government agreed by the Executive in January, in which DARD is charged with helping rural communities.

"I utterly reject comments made during the debate that the pursuit of rural development comes before farming or fishing interests. The facts speak for themselves, £420 million of the £530 million Rural Development Programme funding can be accessed by farmers. This is the overwhelming majority of the funds.

"As regards the fishing industry, next month I will be launching an investment plan for the European Fisheries Fund, the EFF is worth €36million, half of which is provided by the Department with match funding from the EU. My support for the Forkhill project in no way takes away from the other parts of my portfolio," she said.

The Minister outlined her disappointment that the Business Case to fund this proposal had been rejected by the Department of Finance and Personnel, but reiterated her commitment to finding a way to ensure this development succeeds. She highlighted the potential of the Project to change the lives of people in the area.

Ms Gildernew said if allowed to proceed, her plan "will increase pride in that area, create business opportunities and jobs, provide leisure facilities to young people, help create opportunities for young mothers and fathers, reduce anti-social behaviour, encourage children into healthy outdoor pursuits and sports and provide access to jobs".

She concluded: "The Forkhill project will help create a new revitalised village centre for the people of Forkhill and surrounding area."

(VB/JM)