Ritchie to develop areas of mutual interest in housing with Republic of Ireland

Margaret Ritchie today gave a commitment to explore in greater detail areas of mutual housing interest, including research, on a North South basis.

The minister made the commitment when delivering a keynote speech in Cork today to leading housing experts from throughout the island of Ireland.

The theme of the conference was 'Shared Future', a key tenet of Margaret Ritchie's New Housing Agenda. The conference was also addressed by Batt O’Keefe TD, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I want to explore in greater detail areas of mutual interest in housing, including research, on a North South basis. I have asked my officials to take this forward and report back to me at the earliest possible opportunity. Minister O’Keefe and I want to ensure that housing continues to be a priority throughout the island of Ireland.”

Commenting on the theme of the conference, Shared Future, Margaret Ritchie said: “A Shared Future is something I believe in passionately. But it has to be built. As part of our New Housing Agenda we therefore aim to deliver as many new housing schemes as possible, where occupants are from mixed traditions and are signed up to a 'Shared Future' charter. We also have plans to convert many existing social housing developments to Shared Future status. This is where tenants and owner occupiers will pledge their neighbourhoods in a spirit of co-operation, respect and mutual support.

“But it is not simply about bringing together different political traditions. It is also about mixing our economic and social backgrounds, ensuring that social and affordable housing is not stigmatised.”

The Minister concluded by highlighting the need for leadership: “Having a shared future in housing needs leadership. Let us commit ourselves to building a shared future on this island.”

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