Gildernew confirms location of DARD Direct office for south and east Antrim

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that the DARD Direct office for south and east Antrim will be located at Mallusk.

This announcement completes the picture of where the 12 DARD Direct offices throughout the north of Ireland will be located. DARD Direct is a network of one-stop-shops for its customers. It will offer farmers the opportunity to access the DARD farm business services in one place and provide choice in how they conduct business with the Department.

Minister Gildernew said: “Following consultation with our stakeholders over the last number of months I am glad to be able to finally announce this location and end speculation and uncertainty for our customers and staff in the area. The south and east Antrim office, to be located at Mallusk, will optimise accessibility for farmers across the catchment area.”

The Minister added: “DARD is committed to meeting the needs of its customers and improving the services which it provides to them. In an ever changing and challenging business environment, DARD Direct will contribute to this by improving access to its main farmer focussed services. However, while meeting customers needs better, I am conscious this move may not be as convenient for some staff working in the existing offices. I have already discussed these concerns in detail with NIPSA, the Staff Union and I have committed the Department’s officials to work as innovatively as they can with NIPSA and staff to address their concerns where possible.”

It is anticipated that the new office in Mallusk will open early next year, subject to identification of suitable premises. In the meantime DARD will continue to deliver its services through the existing offices.

Notes to editors:

1. DARD Direct is a new one-stop-shop approach designed to improve the delivery of DARD services to farmers and farm families. It brings together six Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) delivery service areas including Veterinary, Grants and Subsidies, Countryside Management, CAFRE Development Advisers, Rural Enterprise and Quality Assurance Services into single sites, strategically located throughout the north of Ireland.
2. An EQIA public consultation was completed on 5 September 2008 and received 29 responses. A draft Final EQIA report, prepared following the public consultation period looks at the equality issues raised by staff, customers and Section 75 groups, indicates that DARD will increase the number of offices from the original proposal of 10 to 12 to address equality issues highlighted during the consultation.
3. The 12 locations for DARD Direct offices are Enniskillen, Coleraine, Dungannon, Newry, Omagh, Armagh, Downpatrick, Newtownards, Ballymena, Claudy and Magherafelt. Refurbishment of offices in Enniskillen, Coleraine, Dungannon and Newry have already been completed.
4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.