Executive’s proposal to demolish 33 tower blocks
Historic day as DUP leader attends GAA final
New Lodge flats RESIDENTS of tower blocks are to be contacted to explain proposals for their potential demolition.
A public consultation exercise has been launched to gauge views on the Housing Executive plan for 33 high-rises in Northern Ireland.
A spokesman said: “Our prime concern is that everyone has a safe and comfortable place to live and over the last three years we have been developing a strategy for all our housing, including our tower blocks.
“They were constructed in the 1960s and we believe they require substantial and ongoing investment to provide the best housing.
“The estimated investment required over the next 30 years is in excess of £308million.
“We believe this money would be better spent on replacing the tower blocks with new accommodation and we are proposing that we will no longer use tower blocks for housing.
“We want to ensure everyone is consulted and has the opportunity to have their say.
“Once plans have been firmed up, we will seek the necessary approvals from the relevant government departments.”
The 33 Housing Executive-owned blocks contain 1,931 flats, of which 281 are privately owned and 29 are hostel accommodation. Fermanagh fans fly Palestinian flags the steps to take her seat in the main stand ahead of kick-off.
She shook hands with Mrs O’neill and the Government’s chief whip and Donegal TD Joe Mchugh.
Mrs Foster and party colleague Christopher Stalford then stood with the rest of the sell-out crowd as the Irish national anthem was played. Fermanagh-born priest Brian D’arcy said he was “absolutely delighted” at Mrs Foster’s attendance and added: “It’s a big step for her and we appreciate that.”