'We Need To Get Real About The Housing Crisis' - Alliance

Alliance Housing spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said we need to get real about the housing crisis following the publication of the Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin.

The Strangford MLA said: "The recent publication from the Department for Communities highlights the critical reality of the housing crisis we are facing in Northern Ireland.

"According to statistics, 90,477 people are currently waiting for accommodation from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Among those, 61,698 individuals are classified as officially homeless and have been granted full duty homeless status. Tragically, included in this group are 19,420 children.

"This crisis is caused by the failure to build enough homes, and the Simon Community has confirmed that without adequate housing, the number of homeless individuals could exceed 82,000 by 2030.

"We urgently need to remove the barriers to new housing developments caused by NI Water, the planning system, and insufficient capital investment. With just over 2,500 new builds started this year, a focused approach is required to dramatically increase this number. Based on the current statistics, it will take Northern Ireland over 36 years to build enough homes to meet the existing demand.

"We need to get real about the housing crisis, and with a concerted and synchronised effort from the Department for Communities and the Executive, we can solve homelessness."

BHF Expands Portfolio Of Shops In NI

British Heart Foundation (BHF) is expanding its portfolio of shops in Northern Ireland by unveiling a new 1,000 square-foot store in Newtownards. The shop, which will be located at Ards Shopping Centre, is now open.

BHF is hoping the new shop will be at the centre of the local community.

This is the first shopping centre in Northern Ireland that BHF has traded in and the charity is inviting the local community to come along, explore the quality stock at great prices and help support life-saving heart and circulatory disease research.

Louise Ball, Regional Manager at British Heart Foundation, said: "We're so excited to be opening our new store in Newtownards. Our team has worked incredibly hard to get everything ready, and we can't wait to welcome customers through our doors.

"By shopping and donating with us, you're helping to fund vital research that keeps hearts beating and joining the Reuse Revolution – giving items a second life and supporting a more sustainable future."

Road Realignment Works Underway At Ballymaconaghy Road

A road realignment scheme has begun on Ballymaconaghy Road, Castlereagh, with work expected to continue until the end of November.

The project, linked to planning conditions for a major housing development, will see the upper section of the road realigned to include a right-turn pocket into the new site. Improvements such as new footways, street lighting and pedestrian crossings are also planned to enhance safety.

Phase one requires a three-month road closure, with diversions clearly signposted. Officials have advised drivers to allow extra time for journeys and to follow temporary traffic restrictions.

Completion of the scheme will depend on weather conditions, and further closures may be required. The Department has said it will provide updates if plans change.