Businessman behind £1m deal

In 1983, after starting his working life as a carpenter, entrepreneur Mr McConville founded the MJM group - which has won the bid.

The firm specialises in the fit-out of cruise ships and yachts but intends to use the Shackleton site for a new business, fitting out private planes and rail carriages.

“Our proposal clearly stated our initial plan was to create a 100 jobs on site however it is my vision that there will be at least 1,000 jobs on this site once it is fully developed ,as the opportunities that it will present are enormous,” said Mr McConville.

“Our proposal also demonstrates significant benefits that will be attractive to the local community as a result of the MJM proposal to develop the site over the next number of years, and also highlights the environmental benefits which arise as a result of this proposal.

“This is indeed a very historic day for MJM and our management team.”

Jarlath Quinn the Group Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have been the successful bidder to purchase this 600 acre former military site in Ballykelly.

“Other business ventures under serious consideration by us are the creation of one of the largest solar panel plants in Europe with the development of a 60MW Solar Farm at a cost of £60million.

“In addition MJM Group could also continue to facilitate the use of the site by film crews and would accommodate other business proposals from interested parties to help further develop the site to help achieve its full potential.”

With MJM’s financial offer and revenue generated from the sale of the rest of the Site to NI Water and DARD, the Executive will have £1.5million to reallocate to other areas.