Ritchie visits shared housing scheme in Fermanagh

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie visited the shared social housing development at Carran Crescent, Enniskillen today.

This is the first mixed housing scheme in Northern Ireland resulting from the Government’s ‘Shared Future’ policy. The vision is for a peaceful, inclusive and fair society and further similar housing schemes are planned.

After visiting the homes of some of the residents, Margaret Ritchie said: “Over the years Northern Ireland has come to accept as normal, a society where most people live separately and where our children are educated separately. This division and segregation through housing, employment and in schooling has come at a high price for the whole community.

“We need to change this. We need to see more shared housing and shared education. I want to do everything I can to encourage a peaceful, inclusive society.

“This project here in Carran Crescent is a shining example of how differences can be accommodated together. The make-up of this new community in Carran Crescent demonstrates the diversity of the new Northern Ireland. I will be actively pursuing more Carran Crescents.”

The Carran Crescent project is a partnership between the Ulidia Housing Association and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Notes to Editors:

1. Ulidia began as a lobbying group and it registered as a housing association in 1977. It has now developed over 60 housing projects throughout Northern Ireland. Although the Association initially built solely for lone parents it subsequently developed a number of partnership arrangements with other voluntary organisations involved in supported housing such as Women's Aid, the Simon Community, Edward Street Hostel, Craigavon & Banbridge Health and Social Services Trust. Although Ulidia's roots are in the provision of supported housing the Association is now also a major provider of general family housing.
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