New homes in Mid and East Antrim

(From left): Cameron Watt, chief executive of NIFHA, with the chairman of the Housing Executive Donald Hoodless and Minister Mervyn Storey, announce the latest development figures. INLT 20-656-CON

Sixty-five have been constructed in the last two years, including 32, at Shore Road, Greenisland, and 13 houses at Drumalla Park, Carnlough, both built by OakleeTrinity.

Mervyn Storey MLA, Minister for Social Development, has confirmed that housing associations have exceeded delivery targets set by the Northern Ireland Executive, through the Programme for Government, by 20 per cent.

Working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, this development has been supported by close to £570m investment from the Department for Social Development.

Since 2011/12, 6,101 new social homes have been delivered and 3,965 affordable homes provided through co-ownership.

More than £300m of private finance has been secured by housing associations to make government grant go further and provide just over 10,000 new social and affordable homes.

Welcoming the minister’s announcement, Cameron Watt, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, said: “Local housing associations have a strong track record of delivering social and affordable housing for Northern Ireland. I am delighted that with partners, our members have not only met the 2014/15 targets but also exceeded pledges from the Northern Ireland Executive to provide 6,000 new social homes and 2,000 affordable homes over four years.

“The 2014/15 targets required housing associations to increase by nearly 60 per cent from the previous year the number of new homes started. In achieving this target, our sector has demonstrated our commitment to fulfilling a growing role in meeting housing need.

“Of course, huge challenges remain. However working closely with partners in government and the Housing Executive, housing associations can continue to deliver many more great homes and help build thriving communities.”

Niall Sheridan, group director of operations at OakleeTrinity Housing Association, added: “OakleeTrinity Housing Association is proud to have made a contribution to meeting 2014/15 programme targets.

“These good quality affordable homes will make a difference to people’s lives. At OakleeTrinity, we remain committed to proactively contributing to building sustainable communities.”