NI Conservatives’ regional development spokesman, Bill Manwaring, has called for more cooperation and joint planning from the NI Executive, after the DRD minister announced he will not fund a railway halt at Ballykelly. Danny Kennedy claims he has not been consulted by Michelle O’Neill on the planned relocation of the Department of Agriculture’s headquarters.
“It is deeply disappointing that, at a time when jobs are being lost and Northern Ireland’s unemployment levels have risen above those in the rest of the UK, that the Executive’s approach to government continues to be so disjointed”, Bill observed. “In addition to their failure to agree a ‘Shared Future’ policy, ministers cannot agree the most basic of priorities. This silo mentality costs the NI Economy an estimated £1 billion every single year”.
“Failure to agree, or even discuss, the implications of the relocation of DARD headquarters shows an utter disregard for the basic principles of financial management or strategic planning. Indeed, the fact that the Londonderry to Coleraine railway is currently closed for upgrade, means that if the Executive eventually agrees the need for a Ballykelly halt, passengers are likely to face further disruption and another period of closure”.
“It is time the NI Executive grasped the fact that its dithering and division has consequences for the public."