Minister impressed by EU Funded energy efficiency scheme
1st August 2022
Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, was impressed by European Union funded energy efficiency improvements to aluminium bungalows in south Antrim, after the Housing Executive invited her to inspect homes in Newtownabbey.
Across South Antrim, 51 aluminium bungalows were upgraded in Ballyclare, Crumlin, Randalstown and Newtownabbey at a total cost of £1.8m.
The Project is part funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through its Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme for Northern Ireland, managed by the Department for the Economy, with the remainder being invested by the Housing Executive.
Assistant Director of Asset Management for the Housing Executive, Leeann Vincent, and the Department for the Economy’s Director of EU Fund Management Division, Maeve Hamilton, joined the Minister on-site, while the Housing Executive’s area manager Breige Mullaghan also attended.
Visiting homes in Abbeyville Park, Newtownabbey, Minister Hargey said; “It is impressive to see this type of work, which will future-proof homes for the years ahead and help tackle issues like fuel poverty.
“Significant large-scale projects such as this one will be crucial as we reduce our carbon footprint and this provides a great benchmark for activity.
“I’m certain that Housing Executive tenants will feel the benefits in the years ahead – especially those living in the least thermally efficient properties.
“They will have warmer homes with more comfortable and healthier living conditions that cost less to run.”
Housing Executive Assistant Director of Asset Management, Leeann Vincent, said; “As we transition to net zero emissions in Northern Ireland, housing will play an absolutely crucial part.
“Our organisation performs the role of the Home Energy Conservation Authority and our Cost of Carbon report, released last year, estimates that better energy efficiency in local homes could reduce emissions by 2.2 million tonnes per year.
“This investment from the European Regional Development Fund is very welcome and as well as making a big impact on the environment, it will also help improve the comfort and well-being of our tenants.”
