DARD local offices

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is committed to improving customer service.

In response to a recent NIPSA statement regarding the alleged closure of local offices, a DARD spokesperson said: “The department is currently consulting with NIPSA on changes to improve its service. Since the offices in question are only open part-time and do not provide all of our frontline services, farmers often have to go to several offices to complete their business.

“We have successfully piloted a new approach – DARD Direct – in our Enniskillen office. Customer feedback on this new ‘one stop shop’ approach has been very positive, with customers finding it much more convenient.”

The aim of DARD Direct is to provide rural customers with equal access to all the department’s main frontline services from local offices.

No decisions have yet been taken on how this concept will be developed across our network of local offices. The department will be undertaking a public consultation and will take full account of any impacts that change may have on different groups of people in our society. The department will also continue to consult with NIPSA on the way forward.

Notes to Editors:

All Media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel. 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 8871 5440 and your call will be returned.