Economic downturn led to reduction in courses at Ballymoney campus - Minister Farry

Speaking to the Times about claims that the Ballymoney campus is being “run down”, the Minister said: “We have been in contact with the College and have been informed that the College continues to invest in its facilities and courses at its Ballymoney campus.

“For business reasons there have been some changes, for example, the downturn in the economy has led to a reduction in the demand for construction training.

“This has resulted in the level of training provision for Carpentry and Joinery and Bricklaying being reduced accordingly. The College, whose role it is to plan the delivery of its own curriculum, has assured us that an extensive range of FE programmes continues to be offered at the Ballymoney campus.

“My position and that of my Department remains unchanged in that no decisions will be made on the future of any Northern Regional College’s campuses until the Outline Business Case has been received and assessed.”