Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

MLA welcomes investment in Housing Executive but says more needs to done

Published: 29 May, 2009

Sinn Féin Mickey Brady has welcomed a recent announcement that £214,000 is to be invested in the Housing Executie in Newry, however the party's spokesperson on welfare rights says that much more needs to be done.

Mr Brady said,

The Department of Social Development needs to ensure that whilst building new houses is already a priority, maintaining the existing Housing Executive houses to a decent, habitable standard must also be a primary responsibility of the Minister."

"The Housing Executive's maintenance budget in Newry has been reduced by almost 50%. It has been reduced from £3.5 million to £1.8 million. The investment of £214,000 is welcome, however we must remember the Housing Executives maintainance budget is still 1.6 million less than last year. This must be addressed."