McCausland launches a new era for housing at former barracks

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has handed over keys to the new residents of Ballaghmore Heights in Enniskillen.
~ Wednesday, 8 February 2012

The 10 former Ministry of Defence (MOD) houses at Ballaghmore Heights have been refurbished by Clanmil Housing on a ‘fabric first’ approach to increase the thermal performance of the houses thereby reducing energy costs for tenants. Ballaghmore Heights is another example of former MOD homes being acquired to provide social and affordable housing to meet housing need.

Refurbishing existing dwellings takes families off the waiting list more quickly than through the new build programme and also helps to regenerate communities that would otherwise be blighted by theses empty homes.

Minister McCausland in handing over the keys said: “I am particularly aware of the blight that empty homes can cause in communities and that is why I am delighted to see these houses brought back in to meaningful use for the people of Enniskillen.

“Ballaghmore Heights not only represents a new era of stability in Northern Ireland but it will help regenerate the local area. Furthermore it demonstrates that existing dwellings can be refurbished to a high level of energy efficiency which will mean lower running costs and real savings for the tenants.”

The Minister added: “I congratulate Clanmil on their innovation and vision in refurbishing these homes and believe that Ballaghmore Heights provides a useful bench mark for future refurbishment projects.”

Clare McCarty, Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing stated that: “Major refurbishment has brought these once vacant houses back to life as much needed high quality affordable family homes, and we are delighted to see our new tenants moving in and making them their own. We wish them many happy years in their lovely new homes.”

Ms McCarty went on to say that: “Clanmil are also progressing plans for the construction of 16 new build houses on the adjacent site which will further help meet the need for good affordable homes in this area. We hope to start work on the site within the next few months.”

Damhnait Carroll, who has just moved into one of the new houses with her two daughters, is delighted with her new home. She said: “I was so pleased to be offered one of these lovely houses by Clanmil. It’s really bright and comfortable and in a great place, close to the town centre and the park which the kids love. We may have only just moved in but it already feels like home and a great place to raise my daughters.”

Notes to editors:

1. This scheme consisting of 10 no five person three bedroom houses cost £488,000 to refurbish. Housing Association Grant of £157,278 was provided by the Department for Social Development with the remaining £330,272 funded by Clanmil through private finance.
2. Clanmil Housing is one Northern Ireland's housing associations, with a stock of some 2,900 homes for rent.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Communications team on 028 9082 9494 or email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 97699 715440 and your call will be returned.
4. View photos of the visit later today on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/collections/72157626632064777/