Minister Ritchie - building for tomorrow

Barney McGahan, Deputy Secretary at the Department for Social Development, today delivered the concluding speech at a National House Building Council Seminar.

At the seminar entitled “Building for Tomorrow”, Mr McGahan updated the construction industry on the emerging issue of building sustainable housing, on behalf of Margaret Ritchie.

He said: “Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, doesn’t want to deliver homes that will be here today and gone tomorrow. All social new build self-contained homes are already required to achieve the Eco Homes very good standard. From 1 April 2008 it will be made mandatory for all new build self-contained social housing schemes to achieve the Code for Sustainable Homes, minimum three star rating.”

Mr McGahan also outlined plans for the first Eco-Village in the country, he said: “An Eco-village in Enniskillen comprising up to 400 social and affordable homes, will be setting new standards in sustainable house construction and design. The project will incorporate, if possible, solar energy, ground source heat pumps, combined heat and power and grey water recycling with the aim of achieving Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.”

In commenting about the delivery of social housing Mr McGahan added: “The solution to our Housing challenge can be the catalyst in delivering a much more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous society. If we are to enjoy the benefits of a shared equal future, we must start to address the housing question and I am encouraged that we will do this not just in new developments coming forward, but in over 30 existing Housing Executive Estates in the coming years.”

Notes to Editors:

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