Lisburn newbuild schemes key feature of rural action report

At the launch of the Progress report are (from left) Patricia McQuillan, Rural Residents Forum, Kate Clifford, Rural Community Network, Cameron Watt, NIFHA, Stephen Fisher, Rural Housing Association, Tim Gilpin, Housing Executive, and Orla McCann, Supporting Communities NI .

The rural newbuild schemes at Glenavy Road and Lisburn’s Hillhall Road earned a mention as Housing Executive acting Chief Executive Mags Lightbody spoke at the launch.

“We know the importance of rural areas as places to live and work and we have been working to help build strong vibrant communities,” she said.

“The Housing Executive is pleased to record, in partnership with the housing associations (Clanmil and Connswater), we were able to complete 20 new homes in two rural schemes in Lisburn.

“Across Northern Ireland 15 new schemes for 105 new social homes in rural areas were started. These new homes will not only provide much needed accommodation in rural areas but will also help sustain rural communities.”

Ms Lightbody said it could often be challenging to identify suitable sites for social housing in rural areas.

“To help deliver new schemes,” she added, “we have been working to identify potential new sites which could be developed in the future.

“We also invested almost £250,000 in 18 rural projects through theRural Development Programme.

“Providing match funding we were able to assist a range of projects from village plans to refurbishment of community facilities, helping rural communities regenerate their areas.

“We also successfully launched a rural community awards competition to support and reward rural communities who work together to make their neighbourhoods better places in which to live.

“In addition to regenerating rural communities our Rural Homes and People Action plan helps to support vulnerable people.”

Key achievements, according to Ms Lightbody, included providing housing support services with new services implemented during the year for vulnerable people living in rural areas; 3,200 homes received heating or insulation measures through the Warm Homes scheme; 2,800 grants were approved to replace old inefficient boilers; 992 private sector grants were approved for repairs and improvements.

“The achievements to date are the result,” she said, “of our work in partnership with other organisations and the drive and enthusiasm of local communities who have a vital role in the delivery of our Rural Action Plan.

“For our part we remaincommitted to delivering high quality, value for money services which are responsive to our customers’ needs and which ensure sustainable and vibrant communities for the future.”

Patricia McQuillan of the Rural Residents Forum said: “When you live in a rural area, your community is extremely important. I am delighted at the progress made this year by the Housing Executive, the housing associations and all the organisations working with us.”