Closed down British army bases could be used to help economic regeneration in Northern Ireland, the Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan suggested tonight.
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Mr Mark Durkan
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"A number of military bases are in key locations and I believe that if they can be handed over, they can become a major economic regeneration force in our community," the SDLP leader said during an address to a civic dinner hosted by Antrim Borough Council.
"It is possible to devise enlightened public private partnerships, which can stimulate economic development in tune with the community," he said.
Mr Durkan said he hoped that innovative funding packages could be developed to support a range of possible uses for the sites. They offered great prospects of helping Northern Ireland move from "the negatives of conflict to a positive peace."
During his keynote address, the minister also said that by working together local government and the devolved administration could make a real difference to the lives of every citizen in the province.
PA