McShane concerned over housing in the Glens

SINN Féin councillor Padraig Mc Shane has expressed disappointment that "yet again, the need for new Social Housing has been overlooked in the Glens area".

The councillor was speaking following a question from North Antrim Sinn Fin MLA Daithi McKay to Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie on what new Social Housing will be provided in the Glens electoral area.

Councillor Mc Shane said: “Housing supply through allocations is failing to meet demand in Cushendall. Small family households (45%) are the largest household group in housing stress, followed by the single household group (30%).

“A need for 40 new social housing units has been identified for Cushendall over the period to March 2013 to meet projected levels of need. The village of Waterfoot also needs 6 new builds to meet need going forward to 2013. Armoy has a projected need of 9 and Ballyvoy and Cushendun continue to be monitored for housing stress.”

Councillor McShane added: “Given these figures project major housing stress in the Glens Ward, it is deeply disappointing that the Housing Minister did not include new Social Housing for the Glens in the 2009/10 development plan for North Antrim. 117 Units have been identified for North Antrim with none planed to alleviate housing stress in the Glens.

“The Housing Executive is due to publish the new 3 year draft Social Housing Development programme for 2010 to 2013. I will monitor these proposals and Sinn Fin will continue to campaign to ensure the Glens are included for new Social Housing in the near future,” said the councillor.