Robinson calls for Ballykelly to be considered for major Ryanair investment
East Londonderry MLA Alan Robinson has called on the Economy Minister and Invest NI to consider the former Ballykelly Army base as a potential location for Ryanair’s proposed engine maintenance facility.
This call by Mr Robinson follows reports that a £67 million public funding package is being proposed to attract the airline’s £400 million investment to Northern Ireland, with the potential to create up to 600 jobs.
“This is a significant potential investment, and I want to see Ballykelly given serious consideration as Northern Ireland makes its case to secure it,” Mr Robinson said.
“The former Army base should be assessed to establish whether it could meet Ryanair’s requirements. I am calling on the Economy Minister and Invest NI to engage with the site’s owners and examine its suitability, including infrastructure, workforce availability and any investment needed to support an engine maintenance operation.”
Mr Robinson said an investment of this scale could be “transformative” for the local towns of Ballykelly, Limavady, and wider north west area, bringing “skilled employment and opportunities for local businesses.”
He also pointed to Ballykelly’s proximity to City of Derry Airport, noting that the potential link between sites should be explored.
“Ryanair will have specific operational requirements, and any decision must be based on a robust assessment,” Robinson concluded.
“My request is that Ballykelly receives a fair hearing and that its potential is properly explored.
“Securing this investment for Northern Ireland would be a major prize. The Minister and Invest NI should ensure that Ballykelly is part of that consideration.”