SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has welcomed an announcement that a production company based in the former Shakleton army base, Ballykelly has begun work on 2 new films.
The development could create up to 1,000 jobs in the area with one of the films said to have a budget of £65million.
He said: “I sincerely hope that this marks a new dawn for an area that has had more than its fair share of job losses over the past decade. Despite its grim history, the former Shackleton army base is idyllic, set as it is on one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Ireland.
“I hope that predictions become reality and the number of jobs forecast materialise. Over the past two weeks there has been intense interest from a lot of people who are hoping that somewhere in the needs of the project there will be a job for them.
“Beyond the immediate employment of people on site, there is massive potential for the local hospitality sector to expand to meet the needs of this project.
“This announcement is very welcome and we must maintain pressure to ensure that this 900acre site is fully utilised, maximising the number of jobs that it is capable of delivering.”
SDLP Derry and Strabane Councillor Patsy Kelly said: “I was pleased to hear that there is substantial interest in the former Shackelton Barracks site from a film firm that could expand a growth industry and offer new potential for jobs across the North West.”
