Rathcoole social housing scheme complete

Several local elected representatives, including North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds, joined resident Neil Gower and his mother Mrs Gower as Neil received the keys to his new home last week.

Welcoming the completion of the new housing scheme, Mr Dodds said: “It’s a great pleasure for me to join Neil and his mother as they receive the keys for his new home. I lobbied for this redevelopment for many years and it is very satisfying to see the scheme now come to fruition with a high standard of new special accommodation units.

“The completion of these 28 new social housing units represents a net increase at this site, from the former Rathcoole Gardens flats. The new homes comply with modern life-long standards, designed to accommodate wheelchair usage and other needs.

“It is very pleasing to see former residents and new residents receiving the keys for accommodation appropriate to their needs. I wish to congratulate all concerned - the Housing Executive, the Housing Association, the architect and the construction company, the Residents’ Association and my local party colleagues who have also worked closely with them.

“My party colleagues and I are well aware of the high demand for social housing in the Rathcoole area. The completion of these 28 homes, as well as the new social apartments at Doagh Road and the new development under way in Rushpark, will go some way to addressing this demand. We will continue to lobby strongly on this important issue.”

Councillor Paula Bradley MLA added: “I warmly welcome the completion of this housing boost for Rathcoole. It is particularly welcome that this scheme will provide independent living for people with a range of disability needs.

“I have been involved in this redevelopment scheme throughout the process, attending meetings with the Housing Executive, Apex Housing Association, the tenants and TAL (the contractor). It is very satisfying to see such an excellent result and to see residents moving in.”