The first social houses in a decade are being built on Rathlin Island.
The Rural Housing Association is creating 10 new social houses on the island which are due to be completed by winter 2023.
The first sod was cut on the site at a special event attended by Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd and pupils from St Mary's Primary School on the island, where the minister welcomed the flagship project to provide modern and sustainable homes.
Read more: Rathlin Island conservation efforts helping bring puffins and corncrakes back from the brink
The new homes will consist of four one-bedroom apartments, four two-bed and two three-bedroom ones, which have been designed to be in keeping with the character and landscape of the Co Antrim island.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd commented: “It is great to be on Rathlin today for this milestone event which will deliver much needed affordable social housing on the island. This flagship project of 10 new modern, sustainable and energy efficient homes will provide a welcome opportunity for more people and families to settle on this unique island.
“My Department is responsible for the Executive’s Rathlin Island Policy and Action Plan and this investment for the future of the island community will help ensure that Rathlin can continue to thrive and grow from within and move a step closer to fulfilling its ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”
Rural Housing chief Executive Steven Fisher said: "“Central to the gaol of Rural Housing Association is identity rural communities that are growing or have capacity to grow, and ensuring that they have social housing to meet the need. With the Rathlin Island project, we did not shy away from the challenges that it brought, and we have been determined that this community should have social housing to hep it to grow and flourish.
“Constructing on an island will not be an easy task logistically, but like with any new build project, our team and our partner organisations have the determination and skills to meet and overcome these challenges. These new houses will be in one of the most unique and stunning rural communities in Northern Ireland, and we are looking forward to the day that they are homes to 10 families.”
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