PSNI training college given go-ahead

A state-of-the-art police training college for Northern Ireland was given the green light by planning chiefs today.

The facility at Desertcreat, outside Cookstown, Co Tyrone, is expected to open in 2007.

Policing Board chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea welcomed the announcement.

He said: “The facility, once built, will be a real improvement on existing training facilities available to PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) and will provide the infrastructure for development and training excellence.”