04/05/2018

Housing Executive Urged To Clarify Tower Block Proposals

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive Board seeking clarity on their plans for Tower Blocks in north Belfast.

The North Belfast MLA said: "There are 33 Tower blocks across the north, seven of which are in the New Lodge area of North Belfast.

"Last year a report was presented to the Housing Executive Board which contained options for 'decommissioning' the tower blocks over a period of 5-20 years.

"When I met with the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive on Wednesday he raised the the need to have 'greater sustainability' for the Tower Blocks but did not elaborate on what that meant.

"I am calling on him to clarify what the Housing Executive intends to do, and how residents will be kept informed and placed at the centre of decision making.

"Also, given the housing crisis in North Belfast, I am asking how many homes are being built to accommodate any residents moving from the Tower Blocks, if that is considered a serious option, and where will the Housing Executive find land given that they cite a lack of available land in north Belfast as a major difficulty."

(MH/LM)

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