Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Hearty criticises senior officials for 'dragging their heels" on Crossmaglen office

Published: 24 July, 2009

Crossmaglen Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty has criticised senior officials in the department for Social Development for 'dragging their heels with regard to Crossmaglen DSS office.

It was recently revealed that the opening of the office would be reduced to just one day a week.

Cllr Hearty said,

"The office is struggling to cope as it is currently trying to deal with 70-80 clients during the one day it is open. The situation is simply not feasible.

"Although there has been repeated calls for this issue to be addressed, senior officials are dragging their heels the people of South Armagh are paying the price.

"Although our MP Conor Murphy has written to the Minister in charge, Margaret Ritchie, to date there has been no response.

"Twice in the last two years the office in Crossmaglen has been targeted by these cuts. Many people are asking why South Armagh is being targeted?"