During the visit, the Minister also visited a £6million social housing development in Canal Street. The development of 44 houses by South Ulster Housing Association has been assisted by £4.5million in grant aid from the Department for Social Development.
The Minister said: ‘‘This is wonderful news for the regeneration of Newry City centre. Housing plays a major role in unlocking wider physical development and new homes mean a new vitality for the area. I have set challenging targets for social housing new builds over the coming years and to achieve these will require commitment, imagination and innovation.
“I have ensured that the houses have all been built to the highest standard and are energy efficient with the use of solar panels in their construction. I am pleased that we are at the forefront in promoting new technologies that will assist our tenants at a time of real cost-of-living pressure.”
During her trip to Newry, the Minister officially opened the new Canal Street environmental improvement scheme. The scheme includes improvements to footpaths, street furniture, lighting and the installation of new railings in the Canal Street / Canal Quay area at a cost of over £1million.
She also officially opened the Greater Linenhall Community House, following improvements to the premises. The work involved the provision of additional floor space, toilet facilities, kitchen facilities, storage space and a new heating system including an energy efficient solar panel. The benefits to the current occupiers, the Greater Linenhall Area Community Association, will include a larger space to support daily activities and training courses; improved access for people of all abilities and an opportunity to attract more community based services to be delivered from the facility.
Notes to Editors
1. The Canal Bank walkway was provided at a cost of over £1,076,176 million with the breakdown in funding as follows:
Department for Social Development £598,076;
Newry & Mourne District Council £238,349;
Local Strategy Partnership £139,751
Heritage Lottery Fund £100,000.
2. The Department has provided funding of £117,500 to Newry and Mourne District Council to meet the running costs for all eight Community Associations in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area, including the Greater Linenhall Community House. Additional funding of £148,000 was recently awarded for a programme of community capacity building and development. This is to provide Capacity Building & Support Services to all eight Associations to build operational capacity and to support the day to day running of the organisation and usage of community facilities.
3. Media enquiries to Simon Stuart in DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496, Mobile 07920 186639. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
