Almost £15 m to be invtested in housing across Fermanagh and Omagh district

by Gráinne Connolly

The Housing Executive met with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) last month to update it on the housing body's plans for the next 12 months and on the previous year's investment. 

A significant investment of £14.81 million will be invested in to housing in the Fermanagh and Omagh areas during 2017/18. 

The money will go towards upgrading and maintaining properties, supporting people to live independently, increasing the energy efficiency of homes and providing grant aid in the private sector.

Last year the Housing Executive invested £12.38 million in the FODC, including grant aid to Housing Associations for the building of new houses to rent.

Speaking at the presentation to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Paul Isherwood, the Housing Executive's Director of Asset Management said:

"Our Housing Investment Plan was informed by a range of stakeholders and developed as a comprehensive conversation piece for the whole housing sector in Northern Ireland. 

"The Housing Executive works hard to maintain a good working relationship with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and it's important this continues. 

"As the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland we have prepared this plan to inform the community planning partnership on the state of the housing market, on housing needs, the policy priorities and public sector investment proposals for 2015-19.

"Lots of work needs to be done to meet housing needs, improve housing stock and provide support for the most vulnerable in our community - we will continue to play our part to ensure this work is delivered efficiently and effectively."

Maintaining its housing stock is a priority for the Housing Executive and this year in the FODC area, the organisation will spend £5.57 million on planned and response maintenance to its homes. 

This will include outside maintenance work to 440 homes and revenue replacements to 239 homes. 

To address energy efficiency, double glazing will be carried out to 642 homes and heating installations to 24 homes. 
 

Capital improvement schemes will also be carried out to a value of £1.91 million.

Tenants who need help to live independently in their homes through the provision of adaptations will be supported. 

Last year £140,000 was spent on both major and minor works helping people live more comfortably in their homes.

During 2017-20, in partnership with housing associations, around 42 new homes are planned throughout the area.

The Housing Executive endeavours to support the most vulnerable members of society through its Supporting People Programme.  

In 2017/18 the Housing Executive will invest around £5.06 million for housing support services.

The Housing Executive currently funds 44 accommodation based services in the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council area as well as 8 floating support services.

The Housing Executive continues to contribute to the private sector through a variety of grants to help adapt homes to support people living in their own homes for longer. 

Last year it approved 115 disabled facilities grants, 111 repair grants and small number of renovation grants, replacement grants and home repair assistance grants totalling £2,432k. 

Housing Executive Fermanagh and Omagh Area Manager, Oonagh McAvinney says: 

“Our district teams provide a high quality, dedicated housing service to the area. 

“Working alongside our Customer Services Unit, Accounts and Housing Benefit teams, we provide our tenants and the wider community with an effective and efficient service.

“We are committed to investing in the Fermanagh and Omagh area to improve the lives of people in our communities.

“My thanks are extended to the councillors and officers of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council for their support for the Housing Executive - we look forward to continuing to work with them on matters of mutual interest over the coming year.”