Ritchie showcases housing in Northern Ireland to Shadow Secretary of State

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today showcased a number of housing initiatives in Northern Ireland, to Owen Paterson MP, the Shadow Secretary of State.

Mr Paterson met recently with Minister Ritchie and expressed real interest in seeing at first hand some quality housing schemes as well as key issues which face the Housing Minister locally.

As with previous visitors, both from the British Isles and worldwide, Mr Paterson was also very keen to hear details of Margaret Ritchie’s New Housing Agenda, the most radical housing initiative in a generation.

The Secretary of State’s day long tour included visits to a west Belfast Hostel, Long Streets in Ardoyne, Crumlin Road Gaol and award winning ‘eco houses’ in Holywood.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I very much welcome the fact that the Shadow Secretary of State is taking a full day to view housing initiatives in Northern Ireland and get an update on my New Housing Agenda. Housing is multi-facetted and it was important that we reflected this by dealing with homelessness, social and affordable housing, housing for special needs, shared future, regeneration and the significant strides that are being taken to create eco homes in Northern Ireland. “

Owen Paterson said: “During my frequent visits to Northern Ireland, I am always keen to see at first hand new initiatives that help the province move on from it’s past. Housing in Northern Ireland has a central role in shared future solutions and I greatly look forward to seeing the work of Minister Ritchie’s New Housing Agenda.”

Commenting specifically on key parts of the Shadow Secretary of State’s visit Margaret Ritchie said: “ Conway Court homeless hostel in West Belfast is an excellent example of partnership working between DSD, the Housing Executive, Simon Community and Oaklee Housing Association. Long Streets demonstrates the challenges faced by a divided society and the need for more shared future housing. The Girdwood site provides an exciting opportunity to create a mixed environment to help all who want to live and work in this area. Abbey Place in Holywood is the first housing scheme in Northern Ireland to be awarded the ‘Excellent Eco Homes’ standard by the Build Research Establishment and both it and Parkgate House are outstanding examples of Habinteg’s integrated approach to housing.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Shadow Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP’s visit can be summarised as follows:

After hearing about the trends in, and challenges faced by, housing providers during a visit to the Housing Executive’s headquarters, the Minister and Mr Paterson accompanied by the Chairman Brian Rowntree and Chief Executive Paddy McIntyre visited Conway Court hostel for the Homeless. Conway Court is a modern hostel catering for homeless families and is an excellent example of partnership working between the Department, the Housing Executive, Simon Community and Oaklee Housing Association with funding provided through the Department’s Supporting People Programme.

Proceeding to Upper Long Streets and Crumlin Road Gaol and former military site at Girdwood, the Minister and Mr Paterson toured these sites in company with the party colleague Alban Magennis MLA and local councillors.

The tour concluded by visiting the award winning Habinteg Housing Association scheme at Abbey Place in Holywood and Parkgate House in Belfast in company with the Chairman George Harkness, Chief Executive David Duly and Deputy Chief Executive - Graham Murton. Abbey Place is the first housing scheme in Northern Ireland to be awarded the ‘Excellent Eco Homes’ standard by the Build Research Establishment and both it and Parkgate House are outstanding examples of Habinteg’s integrated approach to housing which aims to provide an environment in which all residents can live independently, within a social setting, whatever their age, ability, impairment or cultural background.

2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496 or Simon Stuart on 07920 186639. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.