Attwood marks double celebration for social housing sector

Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, paid tribute to a life of service to the social housing sector, as he attended the official opening of new offices for the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) today.

Congratulating NIFHA on the purchase of their new premises at Albert Street in West Belfast, Alex Attwood also presented a lifetime achievement award to former director of the NIFHA, Erskine Holmes.

Alex Attwood said: “These new premises for the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations represent a great investment in the future and shows that housing associations still have much to give.

“The provision of adequate housing for people in Northern Ireland who are most in need remains my number one priority, and this year I intend to start 2,000 new homes. The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations has an important role to play in this plan.

Presenting south Belfast man, Erskine Holmes, with his award, Minister Attwood thanked him for his contribution to the housing sector across Northern Ireland, which spanned four decades.

Alex Attwood said: “Erskine’s work at the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations has been imperative in its success. As the Federation’s first director he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals and communities.

“During his time at the Federation the housing association movement became recognised as a significant player in the housing market and his influence can still be seen today.”

Minister Attwood added: “We are all operating in a tough economic environment, so it is important to have a corporate voice to represent the social housing movement.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations is the umbrella organisation representing, supporting and promoting the activities of 33 registered and seven non-registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland.
2. Erskine Holmes started his working life teaching history in several Belfast schools. An active member of the Northern Ireland Labour Party, he was elected to Belfast City Council and was appalled by the poor state of the City’s housing.
   Recognising the potential for housing associations to improve the lives of individuals and communities, in 1975 Erskine successfully applied when the National Federation of Housing Associations advertised for someone to service its Northern Ireland Committee and establish a free-standing organisation.
3. The Northern Ireland Federation became an independent body in 1977 which Erskine headed until his retirement in March 2000. Erskine was later awarded an OBE.
4. Media enquiries and photograph requests to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497 or Fearghal O’Reilly on 07920 832 279. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.