Published: Thursday, 17th December, 2009 9:00am

Families receive new homes for Christmas

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Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, officially launching the new houses provided by Ulidia Housing Association at Sycamore Drive, Enniskillen, with resident Jennifer Simpson and John Gartland, CEO Ulidia Housing Association.

A new family housing development was opened in Enniskillen this week.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie opened seven new family homes at Sycamore Drive on the outskirts of Enniskillen.

The two and three bedroom social houses, provided by Ulidia Housing Association, have been built to Eco Homes standard and incorporate the very latest in energy saving technology. All have Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes accreditation, giving added security and flexibility of adaptation for residents.

The Minister said: "This is good news for people in the Enniskillen area. Residents of this scheme will be able to take advantage of an array of energy saving, design and security features. The delivery of high quality, sustainable social housing is the number one priority in the New Housing Agenda.

"I congratulate Ulidia Housing and the Housing Executive for being able to provide this new housing in the heart of the community, alongside existing local infrastructure."

After presenting tenant, Jennifer Simpson with a bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion of her moving into her new home, the Minister extended her best wishes to all residents for their first Christmas in Sycamore Drive.

Ulidia Housing Association is one of 32 housing associations registered with the Department for Social Development, giving access to grant funding. Ulidia manages some 900 homes throughout Northern Ireland in supported and family housing schemes.

This seven unit scheme will cost just over £1 million, including acquisition, construction and associated on costs. The Department, through the Housing Executive, will fund £760,000 by Housing Association Grant, with the balance of £290,000 contributed by Ulidia through private financing. Construction was by McGurran Construction, Derrygonnelly.