Social housing scheme welcomed

The development on the Ballynamoney Road, Derrymacash, will consist of 14 houses.

Sinn Fein’s Mairead O’Dowd said she was happy to see the work begin.

She said: “There has been no social housing built in this area for over thirty years, and upon identifying a latent demand for this type of housing within this area, Sinn Féin has lobbied both Housing Executive and Housing Associations to have that void filled.

“This is a vibrant rural community but its future growth requires affordable housing which will ensure that the next generation can remain within a rural setting.”

The Councillor explained that funding for the social housing had been acquired several years ago but the project had been delayed because of difficulties in acquiring a suitable site.

She said: “The delay was unavoidable but unfortunately it has meant that the original intention to provide single story accommodation suitable for the elderly or those with disablements cannot now proceed.

“This is as a result of a decision taken by the Department of Social Development to restrict this type of building.”