Army plans to retain base in Ballykinler

Army plans to retain base in Ballykinler

THE future of Ballykinler army base looks assured after the Ministry of Defence announced a major restructuring of the army yesterday.

The base looks set to be retained as the MOD prepares to bring home over 11,000 troops from Germany. To accommodate the troops the MOD plans to spend £1.8bn on new bases and on refurbishing existing complexes.

The decision will safeguard the jobs of hundreds of civilian workers at Ballykinler.

Announcing the detail of the army’s ‘basing plan’, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, said the decision to pull troops out of Germany will confirm the futures of army bases in Northern Ireland.

The MoD said there will be small reductions to the size of all army regiments and there will be a decrease in the number of troops based in the Province.

It says a proportionate amount of the regular army — around 2,000 service personnel — will be based in Northern Ireland. The MoD has also confirmed that no civilian jobs will be lost in the Province.

Brigadier Rob Thomson, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, said the basing plan confirms the future in Northern Ireland for bases in Ballykinler, Holywood, Lisburn and Aldergrove.

South Down MLA Jim Wells said if what has been announced guarantees the future of the Ballykinlar base he will be delighted.

“Three years ago it was suggested that the Ballykinler base was to be mothballed in 2016. The indications are now that the local base, which is Down District’s third biggest employer, will be staying open,” he said.

“The MoD is saying the future of the local base is secure and in my opinion that would inevitably mean that the staff who currently run the facility will be staying and that is great news.”

Mr. Wells added: “The important message is that the proposed closure of the Ballykinlar army base in 2016 won’t now be happening and that is good news for the local area and the people who work at the base.”