Elliott calls for rethink from DARD on Crossnacreevy
Ulster Unionist spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, Tom Elliott has called on DARD to have a re-think on the proposed sale of Crossnacreevey.
Mr Elliott said: “It appears somewhat of a nonsense that DARD are proposing the sale of an experimental centre that carries out a wealth of vital work for the agricultural industry. At the same time the Department must bid to central government for almost £90m of funding for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme and also for the re-location of services currently carried out at Crossnacreevey even though that property has an initial estimated valuation of £200m.
“There is something of an anomaly that DARD are losing a valuable asset, with the finance of it going directly to central government and the department then being required to go begging for what is essentially their own money.
“I believe there is an opportunity at this stage of the budgets process for DARD to have a fresh look at the proposed sale of the entire Crossnacreevey site. Surely there should be a number of options available, including the possibility of selling a portion of the centre to raise enough finance for the FNMS but retain a large portion where the majority of the experimental work could continue without any re-location and preserve the circumstances already in place.”
Mr Elliott concluded: “I have been working closely with my UUP colleague for the area David McNarry to look at alternatives within the structure of Crossnacreevey and its functions and we believe that DARD need a fresh approach to the situation.”