The North's Housing Executive yesterday announced a £4 million sterling development for the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Some 40 new homes are planned.
The development was announced by the Minister of Social Development, the DUP's Mr Nigel Dodds, as he received the first report of the North Belfast Housing Strategy.
Mr Dodds said the strategy was "designed to tackle social and economic deprivation in north Belfast. It is neither a Protestant nor a Catholic strategy. Rather it is one which will help everyone and make it a better place in which to live and work". The Sinn FΘin Assembly member for north Belfast, Mr Gerry Kelly, criticised the spending plans, accusing Mr Dodds of sectarianism.
The housing strategy is a seven-year plan launched last year, involving £133 million.
This year some £24 million is to be spent on housing and improvements. The plan aims to promote regeneration and social inclusion.
Mr Sid McDowell, chairman of the Housing Executive, said: "The Housing Executive has signalled its determination to deliver the decent housing that the people of north Belfast have the right to expect. The executive injected £5.5 million to kick-start the process. In the past year the Housing Executive has made real progress and laid the foundations for the future."