Menu
28/04/2008
Minister Highlights Commitment To North-South Housing Agenda
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has given her commitment to explore in greater detail areas of mutual interest, including research, on a North-South basis.
The minister made the commitment when delivering a keynote speech in Cork on Friday to leading housing experts from throughout the island of Ireland.
The theme of the conference was 'Shared Future', a key tenet of Margaret Ritchie's New Housing Agenda. Batt O'Keefe TD, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland, also addressed the conference.
Margaret Ritchie said: "I want to explore in greater detail areas of mutual interest in housing, including research, on a North-South basis. I have asked my officials to take this forward and report back to me at the earliest possible opportunity.
"Minister O'Keefe and I want to ensure that housing continues to be a priority throughout the island of Ireland."
Commenting on the theme of the conference, Shared Future, the Minister also said a Shared Future as something she believes in "passionately" but "it has to be built".
She detailed plans to convert many existing social housing developments to 'Shared Future' status, explaining this was "where tenants and owner occupiers will pledge their neighbourhoods in a spirit of co-operation, respect and mutual support".
"But it is not simply about bringing together different political traditions. It is also about mixing our economic and social backgrounds, ensuring that social and affordable housing is not stigmatised."
The Minister concluded by highlighting the need for leadership: "Having a shared future in housing needs leadership. Let us commit ourselves to building a shared future on this island."
(JM/KMcA)
The minister made the commitment when delivering a keynote speech in Cork on Friday to leading housing experts from throughout the island of Ireland.
The theme of the conference was 'Shared Future', a key tenet of Margaret Ritchie's New Housing Agenda. Batt O'Keefe TD, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland, also addressed the conference.
Margaret Ritchie said: "I want to explore in greater detail areas of mutual interest in housing, including research, on a North-South basis. I have asked my officials to take this forward and report back to me at the earliest possible opportunity.
"Minister O'Keefe and I want to ensure that housing continues to be a priority throughout the island of Ireland."
Commenting on the theme of the conference, Shared Future, the Minister also said a Shared Future as something she believes in "passionately" but "it has to be built".
She detailed plans to convert many existing social housing developments to 'Shared Future' status, explaining this was "where tenants and owner occupiers will pledge their neighbourhoods in a spirit of co-operation, respect and mutual support".
"But it is not simply about bringing together different political traditions. It is also about mixing our economic and social backgrounds, ensuring that social and affordable housing is not stigmatised."
The Minister concluded by highlighting the need for leadership: "Having a shared future in housing needs leadership. Let us commit ourselves to building a shared future on this island."
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
24 May 2012
Alliance Quits Shared Future Working Group
The Alliance Party has pulled out of "shared future" talks, saying members have "lost faith" in the process. Leader David Ford said the DUP and Sinn Fein had tried to create "an illusion" of being "serious" about building a shared future.
Alliance Quits Shared Future Working Group
The Alliance Party has pulled out of "shared future" talks, saying members have "lost faith" in the process. Leader David Ford said the DUP and Sinn Fein had tried to create "an illusion" of being "serious" about building a shared future.
11 February 2022
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
03 November 2020
Communities Minister Pledges To Revitalise The Housing Executive
NI Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has pledged to revitalise the Housing Executive. In a wide ranging statement to the Assembly she set out her plans to address the significant challenges facing Northern Ireland's housing system. Over the last 18 years successive Executives have invested £2.3billion to build 30,000 new social houses.
Communities Minister Pledges To Revitalise The Housing Executive
NI Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has pledged to revitalise the Housing Executive. In a wide ranging statement to the Assembly she set out her plans to address the significant challenges facing Northern Ireland's housing system. Over the last 18 years successive Executives have invested £2.3billion to build 30,000 new social houses.
04 November 2021
More Social Homes Central To Housing Reform - Hargey
Delivering more social housing to areas most in need is central to a programme of housing reform, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.
More Social Homes Central To Housing Reform - Hargey
Delivering more social housing to areas most in need is central to a programme of housing reform, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
