A new, five-year strategy planning for sustainable and inclusive growth in rural communities across Northern Ireland, has been published by the Housing Executive.

Launched at the Rural Community Network’s offices in Cookstown, the new strategy runs until 2031 and commits the organisation to renewed engagement with rural communities.

Caroline Connor, the Housing Executive’s Interim Director, Strategic Housing Authority, said: “We recognise how important the provision of affordable housing is to sustain our rural communities.

“In this strategy, we commit to working across three key themes to achieve a range of outcomes for our rural tenants and customers.

Rural networking at its best…Pictured at the launch of the Housing Executive’s new Rural Strategy 2026 – 2031 are, left to right, David Thompson, Housing Executive Independent Committee member, Kate Clifford, Director of the Rural Community Network, Pamela Johnston, Housing Executive Rural Regeneration Manager, Patricia McQuillan MBE, Chair of the Rural Residents Forum and Grainne Mullin, Head of Housing for All, Housing Executive. Credit: Supplied

placeholder image — Rural networking at its best…Pictured at the launch of the Housing Executive’s new Rural Strategy 2026 – 2031 are, left to right, David Thompson, Housing Executive Independent Committee member, Kate Clifford, Director of the Rural Community Network, Pamela Johnston, Housing Executive Rural Regeneration Manager, Patricia McQuillan MBE, Chair of the Rural Residents Forum and Grainne Mullin, Head of Housing for All, Housing Executive. Credit: Supplied

“Delivering housing services for our customers in rural areas is reaffirmed, as is supporting the development of more affordable homes and contributing to a more secure and sustainable future for our rural communities.

“Increased engagement with rural communities is a priority and we will promote the support available through our local offices to sustain tenancies and reduce homelessness.

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“We’ll also continue to expand on the relationships we have made through the co-design of this strategy to develop priorities, such as the review of Housing Needs Tests and rebranding the Rural Residents Forum.

“Energy efficiency is another key priority as we move towards a net-zero carbon future and our properties will continue to receive upgrades to make them more energy efficient.

“Rural fuel poverty can be significantly reduced by improving energy efficiency in both new-build and retrofitted homes and we’ll lead rural initiatives, using new technologies, to reduce reliance on carbon-based heating systems.

Ms Connor thanked the Rural Community Network, the Rural Residents Forum, tenants and all rural representatives who contributed to the development of the new five-year strategy.