SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed the improvements now being made to Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick.
He said: “I fully welcome the announcement by the Department for Communities that they have received a budget which will allow for the refurbishment of Rathkeltair House.
“I fully welcome the refurbishment and the additional capacity for local public service jobs in the heart of Downpatrick. However, this cannot be to simply off-set one batch of jobs in the area to another, as this is relocation not additonality.
“Downpatrick as the county town must have the associated status which includes a high level of public sector employment.
“Many people know only too well the commute to Belfast, the sitting in traffic and the damage to the environment. The decentralisation of public sector jobs to towns such as Downpatrick is so important to our local economy.”
