Research site may become cemetery

Crossnacreevy Research Station may be turned into a cemetery

Belfast's search for a new cemetery has taken a new twist after the Department of Agriculture moved to sell off a 100 acre research station at Crossnacreevy.

The deal will see the site pass to the Department of Finance, freeing up £90m to help a slurry tank building programme on more than 3,000 farms.

The site is used for variety trials for cereals and grass.

However, its proximity to Roselawn cemetery has prompted speculation it may become the city's new cemetery.

Michelle Gildernew, the minister for agriculture and rural development, said the move would benefit Northern Ireland's agricultural industry.

"This is great news for the local farming industry as the implementation of the nitrates directive has been the single biggest issue currently threatening the industry," she said.

However, MEP Jim Allister said the decision was short-sighted and accused the department of "selling off the family silver".

"This announcement by DARD to sell off assets to fund its own incompetence smacks of short-termism, and does not take into account the consequences this decision will bring," the MEP said.

"Indeed, it would appear this decision has been taken without adequate consultation, and in disregard of the signal such a closure sends out to the agricultural industry."