Welcomes DARD Direct and looks for Outreach Services to replace local offices

Speaking after learning about the decision to introduce 12 DARD Direct Offices throughout Northern Ireland, with two of these being located to serve the population of South Down in Downpatrick and Newry, the MP said;

“I welcome the fact that the already popular DARD Offices in Downpatrick and Newry will now be strengthened, providing the full range of services to the farming community, which will include the six DARD areas of Veterinary, Grants and Subsidies, Countryside Management, CARFE Development Advisers, Rural Enterprise and Quality Assurance.  However I am concerned that the closure of the part-time offices in Kilkeel and Banbridge will leave some farmers unable to access face to face service at the Downpatrick and Newry office, because of the travel involved. I will be seeking assurances from the Department to Agriculture that an outreach service, like that offered by the benefits agency, will be provided to meet the needs of form filling and grant/subsidy advice for those farmers who cannot access the Downpatrick or Newry office in person and who are not connected to the internet.

Ends.