Hospital lane to get gas heating

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, on the back of questioning from local DUP MLA George Robinson, confirmed that 57 dwellings at Hospital Lane are in line for a “phase two heating installation scheme” for June 2013.

East Londonderry MLA George Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development for his assessment of tackling fuel poverty for people in Northern Ireland Housing Executive homes by connecting them to the gas network where available.

Mr McCausland replied: “The Housing Executive’s current heating policy is to install gas central heating where gas is available. Where gas is not available, oil is the preferred option. The Housing Executive currently has a total of 36,394 properties with gas central heating. A review of the Housing Executive heating policy is currently being prepared for consultation. Any proposed changes to the heating policy must be approved by the Housing Executive board and by my Department.”

Asking specifically about Limavady, George Robinson continued: “I thank the Minister for his answer. Can he advise whether the phase two scheme at Hospital Lane in Limavady will include heating installation?”

The Minister replied: “The Housing Executive has advised that the planned phase two heating installation scheme for 57 dwellings at Hospital Lane is programmed for June 2013, with an estimated duration of 12 weeks. Subject to consultation with the tenants, all the properties will then have had gas central heating installed, which will complete the Housing Executive heating programme for Hospital Lane.

“You may wish to note that phase one of the scheme for Hospital Lane, for 45 dwellings, went on site in October 2012 and was completed in December 2012.”