Rathlin Island celebrates first new social housing development in over a decade

Ten new social homes have been officially opened on Rathlin Island, marking the completion of the island’s first social housing development in more than a decade.

The homes have been delivered by Rural Housing Association in partnership with the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(L-R): Heloise Brown, Department For Communities, Sandra Hunter, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, new tenant Ruari Morgan, Chief Executive of Rural Housing Association, Stephen Fisher, Chair of Rural Housing Association, Tom Potter, and Pamela Johnston, Northern Ireland Housing Executive Rural Unit

placeholder image — (L-R): Heloise Brown, Department For Communities, Sandra Hunter, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, new tenant Ruari Morgan, Chief Executive of Rural Housing Association, Stephen Fisher, Chair of Rural Housing Association, Tom Potter, and Pamela Johnston, Northern Ireland Housing Executive Rural Unit

The development follows a housing needs assessment carried out in 2016 by the Housing Executive, Rural Housing Association and Rathlin Community Development Association.

The assessment identified a clear need for additional social housing on the island, which is currently home to approximately 150 people.

The new homes, which are a mix of one bedroom apartments, two bedroom houses, three bedroom houses and wheelchair accessible apartments, are intended to ensure that people with a connection to Rathlin have greater opportunities to remain on the island, return to live there or take up local employment.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive say that allocations of the new social homes will be made by Rural Housing Association.

Communities minister Gordon Lyons said the completion of the development represented a “significant milestone” for Rathlin.

He stated: “This new development is about much more than the fabric of a home. It is about providing people and families with the opportunity to create a home and build their future on the island.

"I commend Rural Housing Association for bringing forward such a challenging build in this island setting, and the local community for its continued engagement.

"By enabling more people to put down roots here, these new homes will strengthen the community, support the sustainability of island life and, importantly, deliver for people in housing need.”

Carita Coulter, head of North Place Shaping (A) at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Board, said the organisation was “proud” to have played a key role in the project.

She added: “From identifying the need for additional social housing through the 2016 housing needs assessment, to working alongside our partners to bring the development forward, this has been a truly collaborative effort.”

Rural Housing chief executive Stephen Fisher said the official opening had been an opportunity to celebrate the project with residents, the local community and the organisations involved.

“It has been wonderful to celebrate the official opening of our new development with residents, the local community and all the partners who helped make this development possible,” he continued.

“Rathlin Island is a truly special place, with a strong and close-knit community. These new homes will give more people with a connection to the island the opportunity to build their lives here, helping to sustain its population and support a thriving community for generations to come.”

Chair of Rathlin Community Development Association Marina McMullan said the opening was a “hugely positive moment” for the island.

“Access to affordable housing is essential if people are to remain on the island, return to live here or take up local employment,” she stressed.

“This development responds to a need identified by the community and will make a meaningful contribution to Rathlin’s future. We are delighted to welcome the new residents and celebrate this milestone together.”