There have been calls for a “more balanced approach” to Civil Service jobs distribution across Northern Ireland after figures showed the number of roles filled in Armagh had “fallen dramatically”.
A breakdown of the number of posts filled across Northern Ireland in each of the past five years has been provided by Finance Minister John O’Dowd.
But the numbers have failed to find favour with Newry and Armagh DUP MLA Gareth Wilson.
It was he who had asked the Minister to detail “the number Civil Service vacancies filled, in each of the last five years, broken down by the constituency in which the role is located”.
But the answer has only left him with more questions.
For Northern Ireland as a whole, the number of Civil Service roles filled in 2021/22 was 3,756. This fell to 3,301 in 2022/23, then again to 1,836 the following year. In 2024/25, the number filled was 3,373 and in the financial year just finished, 2025/26, that figure was 3,460.
Minister O’Dowd, in supplying the information, explained that when any Department identifies a vacant post which needs filled, the request is referred to NICS HR – essentially a central database – to initiate the process.
While not holding records of vacancies by constituency, a breakdown by each city and town was provided.
In Armagh, specifically, this showed a year-on-year decline in the number of roles filled over the past five years, from 39 in 2021/22. Subsequent annual figures were 24, then down to 22, falling further to 19 and arriving at the most recent nine for 2025/26.
The numbers have now led to Mr Wilson expressing his “serious concerns” at what he views as a “significant decline” in Civil Service vacancies being filled in Armagh over recent years.
Flagging a “reduction of more than 75 per cent”, the DUP representative said roles filled in Armagh had “fallen dramatically” and believes this in itself requires answers.
“These figures highlight a clear reduction in the number of Civil Service opportunities available in Armagh in recent years,” said Mr Wilson.
“It is important that people living in all parts of Northern Ireland have a fair opportunity to access employment in the Civil Service without having to travel long distances.
“While there will always be variations and limitations on where posts can be located, it is clear there has been a reduction in Armagh, and it lags significantly behind other towns and cities of a similar population.
“The Minister of Finance has often claimed to be an advocate for regional balance, but this is not borne out in the figures I have acquired.
“Areas such as Armagh should continue to benefit from public sector employment, which plays an important role in supporting local economies and sustaining communities.
“I will be engaging with the Department to better understand the factors behind this trend and to ensure that future recruitment considers the importance of maintaining opportunities in areas like Armagh.
“A more balanced approach would help ensure that people right across Northern Ireland can access these roles in a practical and sustainable way.”
