Ritchie celebrates 40 years of Dungannon and District Housing Association

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, paid tribute to the work of Dungannon and District Housing Association at a dinner this evening to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Congratulating them on their work to date the Minister said: “As a rural dweller myself, I know all too well the challenges and hardships faced by those living in the countryside.

“It is not always easy working in the communities you choose to serve and I applaud you for being prepared to address the complex housing problems faced by the people of Mid Ulster and West Tyrone, rather than simply taking the easy way out.

“When you first started to build houses in Eglish, Coalisland and Coagh all those years ago, your motto was 'to provide good quality housing for families on low incomes'. That remains as valid an aspiration today as it was all those years ago and I commend you for your early vision and commitment to helping the working poor.”

The Minister concluded by saying: “The challenge for the next 40 years will undoubtedly be very different from the challenges of the last 40, but if the past is any indicator of the future, then you have a very bright one indeed.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Dungannon and District Housing Association is one of 34 registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland, including NI Co-Ownership Housing Association Ltd.
2. It was founded in 1968 and has grown to over 400 units of accommodation, mainly in the Dungannon and Cookstown area comprising general family housing,sheltered housing for the elderly, special needs housing and shared housing for young people leaving care.
3. For further information, contact Joe Livingston on 07920 187938 or the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned