Housing Executive To Improve Multi-Storey Tower Blocks

Almost 1,900 households could benefit from a new maintenance and investment strategy being developed by the Housing Executive in relation to multi-storey tower blocks.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced plans for the improvement of the Housing Executive’s 32 multi-storey tower blocks.

During a meeting with the Housing Executive Chairman, Donald Hoodless, the Minister said there was a need to progress improvement work to tower blocks and outlined that a strategic approach is needed to deal with the maintenance problems for the benefit of all tower block tenants across Northern Ireland.

"I have previously made known my concerns about the lack of maintenance and investment in relation to the existing social housing stock," the Minister said. "In particular, I have raised concerns about delays in the maintenance and investment in the Housing Executive’s multi-storey tower blocks, which in my view requires a specific strategic approach to deal with their particular types of maintenance problems.

"The last time the Housing Executive carried out a strategic review of the multi-storey blocks was as far back as 1999/2000. It is therefore now imperative that the Housing Executive reviews and identifies the necessary work required and develops a focussed maintenance strategy for the 32 tower blocks right across Northern Ireland."

Donald Hoodless, Chairman of the Housing Executive, said: "I very much welcome the Minister’s commitment to investment in our 32 tower blocks. It is an appropriate time to review our approach to maintaining and improving high rise accommodation. We will examine how we can improve the levels of thermal efficiency in these buildings. Our priority now will be to consult with tenants and other residents to identify what work is needed to ensure that all these properties are secure, more comfortable and easier to keep warm."

(IT)