Housing Minister Visits Rathcoole

17 July 2003
HOUSING MINISTER VISITS RATHCOOLE
Tenants living in social housing have a right to accommodation that is safe, secure, well-maintained and comfortable, John Spellar MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development, said today.

The Minister was speaking during a fact-finding visit to the Rathcoole estate in Belfast, where the Housing Executive has invested more than Ł30 million over the past ten years to improve housing conditions.
"I am very impressed with what has been achieved in this large estate which has had more than its share of problems in the past. There are almost 4,000 individual homes in Rathcoole and many have been significantly improved by a rolling programme of work over the past decade.

"The main shopping area at the Diamond has been refurbished to provide better local services. Other initiatives have included an Art in Housing project and a grounds maintenance project.

"One of the most significant successes has been the Concierge service and improvements at the four tower blocks at Bradan Court. This has improved both the appearance of the complex and has given people confidence to the extent that there has been a marked increase in demand to live here."

Whilst at Rathcoole, the Minister met Ken Dalton the Senior Concierge at Bradan Court and a number of residents.

Earlier today, he visited the Housing Executive’s headquarters in central Belfast where he met the Chief Executive, Paddy McIntyre and received a detailed briefing on current housing issues.

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