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Ballymena to have its say on tackling fuel poverty

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood, is calling on the people of Ballymena to have their say on tackling fuel poverty.

A new strategy, entitled ‘Warmer Healthier Homes’ was put out to consultation on the 28 June 2010 and Minister Attwood said he is keen to hear the views of local people.

“I am inviting the people of Ballymena to come along and give me their opinions on my Department’s new strategy,” said Minister Attwood.

“This new strategy highlights the ways in which my Department hopes to try and alleviate the problem of fuel poverty through the removal of energy inefficiency. It is imperative we do all in our power to help people right across Northern Ireland live in warmer healthier homes.”

The Department for Social Development will be hosting a public meeting to facilitate discussion around the new fuel poverty strategy proposals on Tuesday September 07 at the Ecos Centre in Ballymena from 2 - 4pm and all are welcome to attend.

The consultation exercise will run until Friday, 24 September, 2010, resulting in a New Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland upon completion.

Minister Attwood added: “Fuel poverty is a cross-departmental problem. It needs a joint-up approach right across government to help alleviate this critical problem.

“I am committed to carrying on the great work of my predecessor, Margaret Ritchie; ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are given immediate help to live in well-insulated, energy efficient homes. In doing this my Department is playing its part in tackling this multi-faceted problem.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The department is hosting a series of public consultation events. The dates and venues are as follows:
    Monday 06 September, Grosvenor House, at 10 - 12 noon
    Tuesday 07 September, the Ecos Centre, Ballymena at 2 - 4pm
    Wednesday 8 September, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh at 2 - 4pm
    Thursday 9 September the Sean Hollywood Centre, Newry. at 2 - 4pm
  2. A copy of the new strategy document entitled, ‘Warmer Healthier Homes - A Consultation Paper on a new Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland June 2010’ is available on the department's website - http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/ in the consultation zone.
  3. For further information, please contact the DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9497. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.