Ballykinlar camp ‘downgrading’ fears

Ballykinlar camp ‘downgrading’ fears

21 March 2012

A SENIOR politician has claimed a dog handling team which helps provide security at Ballykinlar army camp is to be withdrawn from service.

South Down Assemblyman Jim Wells claims the move represents a further downgrading of the base and “further evidence that the whole future of the Ballykinlar camp is in doubt.”

The MLA said the loss of the dog team was particularly concerning as it will inevitably reduce security at the base at a time when there is still a threat from dissidents in South Down.

He continued: “In July 2009 I released information I had received that staff within the camp had been told it was highly unlikely that a permanent battalion would be based at Ballykinlar after 2016.

“This latest decision to remove the dog handling team has made me even more concerned about the long term future of the camp.”

The Assemblyman said the Ballykinlar army base currently employs over 200 people, suggesting if a factory in Down District with a similar workforce was under threat of closure, “there would be uproar and major efforts by the community to prevent this happening.”

He added: “It is disappointing that Down Council has shown so little interest in the future

of Ballykinlar which is the third largest employer in the district.

“Any loss of employment at Ballykinlar will have a profound impact on the local economy and must be resisted by the entire community.”

An MOD spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on speculation regarding the disposition and status of military assets including personnel. However, frequent reviews are undertaken to ensure best use of all available resources for the benefit of the whole garrison.

“The resident unit, 2nd Battalion the Rifles, have established close links with the local community and aim to develop and nurture those links for many years to come.”