Schemes go on

Sinn Fin Councillor Tommy O’Connor said he was pleased that despite the limitations imposed upon their budget the Housing Executive continues to maintain their housing stock within the Central area.

Cllr O’Connor, who represents the Central area, welcomed the news that the Housing Executive is to begin work on fitting new kitchens in Taghnevan Close.

He said: “The kitchen scheme will be carried out under this year’s budget and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Sinn Fin has lobbied for this work to be carried out and we welcome the news that this block of bungalows, which are mostly inhabited by older residents, are to receive this much needed upgrade.

"Given the budgetary restrictions that DSD has imposed on the Housing Executive it is gratifying to see that the Executive continue to do their best for the vulnerable groups within our society.”

The Central Councillor also welcomed the news that the executive are to carry out a survey of the maintenance needs within the Parkmore estate.

Cllr O’Connor said: “Parkmore Residents Association has campaigned for a long time for major maintenance works to be carried out and it is good news that their efforts are beginning to achieve success. The survey group will begin this week to assess the condition of the windows in the housing stock and will also examine the need for other maintenance requirements within the estate. While the Executive have not yet committed to carrying out maintenance this survey is a beginning and I would encourage the Association to continue their lobbying and offer them any assistance I can give to them in their campaign.”