Army plans to keep Ballykinlar for now

Army plans to keep Ballykinlar for now

5 February 2014

THE Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to retain Ballykinlar army camp as a training base for the “foreseeable future.”

The news comes as the 2 Rifles battalion based at the camp prepares to move to Lisburn’s Thiepval barracks in the summer.

Local politicians have expressed concern at the move and the implications it has for dozens of civilian staff who work at the base, local businesses and the district’s economy.

Down Council is also keen to see the army base and its various sport and leisure facilities handed over to the local authority as part of a masterplan for the social and economic regeneration of the Ballykinlar area.

However, the Ministry of Defence has made it clear that despite the transfer of the 2 Rifles battalion to Lisburn, it has no plans to vacate the army base any time soon.

Dr. Andrew Murrison, the UK government’s Minister for International Security Strategy, said the MoD plans to retain Ballykinlar as a training base for the “foreseeable future.”

In a letter to Strangford MP Jim Shannon, Dr. Murrison said he while understands the decision to move 2 Rifles to Lisburn may cause some concern for local people, the armed forces need to be based in a way that provides appropriate facilities for military personnel and their families, while making the best use of resources and ensuring value for the taxpayer.

Dr. Murrison said the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) — which manages MoD property — is looking to make the best use of bases across Northern Ireland, with the Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinlar part of that estate.

He said in addition to being the home of the Northern Ireland Recruits Training Centre, Ballykinlar’s facilities are constantly used to provide a range of skills for regular and reserve personnel.

“I can assure you that the intention is to retain Ballykinlar in this capacity for the foreseeable future,” Dr. Murrison’s letter continues.

“The DIO is now working with the army to establish what the future Northern Ireland training requirement is and how the existing training estate can best be shaped to meet that requirement.”

Dr. Murrison said he “fully understands” there will be an impact on the surrounding area as army service personnel and their families leave.

His letter adds: “I recognise that this includes a moderate impact on local schools, businesses and civilian employment. We hope the ongoing use of the training facilities at Ballykinlar will mitigate some of these impacts.”

Dr. Murrison said the MoD is committed to supporting civilian staff currently based at Ballykinlar and, where possible, identify new employment opportunities for them within the MoD.