Opening of Sherman Court  - 18 February 2010

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I should like to begin by thanking Joan and the Board of Clanmil Housing for inviting me here today to officially open these magnificent new apartments.

It is hard to believe that it is almost three years ago since I called at the Clanmil site on the Ormeau Road in Belfast, in what was my very first official engagement as Minister for Social Development. Since then, I have been able to see at first hand many more examples of the fine work being carried out by your organisation, not only in terms of new build, but in other important related areas as well. I am therefore delighted to be here in the North West this afternoon, to officially open your first major family housing scheme in Derry City.

Derry has long suffered from high levels of housing stress, with sites close to the centre difficult to source. Clanmil is to be congratulated for being able to identify and procure this quality development for social housing.

And as Minister, also with responsibility for regeneration, I certainly welcome the stimulus that this new housing will provide to the immediate area.

The purchase of these apartments has meant that 18 families from the waiting list could be offered new homes much sooner than they would otherwise have expected. That has to be good news for all concerned.

Having a home to call your own is one of the most fundamental rights a person can have. It makes the job I do as Minister, all the more worthwhile when I see how housing associations like your own, really do go the extra mile in seeking out housing opportunities, to help families who have been on the waiting list for much too long.

Whilst a house is first and foremost a home for individuals and families, I have always been convinced that it is the key building block to our entire social development. That is why, as Minister for Social Development, my main focus, and my top priority has been to increase significantly the supply of social and affordable housing.

Despite the very real funding challenges that we in Government face, this year we will deliver more new social houses than at any time in the past decade. It is developments such as this that are contributing towards these higher numbers.

And while ever increasing targets are all very laudable, what we must not forget is that this work is really about delivering homes for people. Homes that start new lives and provide new opportunities for all who live in them.

Madam Chair - today is not just a social occasion. It is a declaration of commitment by a group of dedicated people and a highly professional organisation to continue the provision of quality housing and services for those who need them most.

Clanmil Housing is one of the main contributors to the Social Housing Development Programme. You have built up a portfolio of almost 2,300 homes in the North, developing some of the most significant and innovative housing schemes across the whole of the island. Your reputation is second to none and of course, award winning has become second nature.

Thank you for making such a difference to the lives of a great many people. Sherman Court, with this beautiful shared space, is a welcome addition to the housing stock in Derry City and is very much needed. To each and every person involved in the construction and acquisition, I offer my thanks for a job well done.

I will now plant this tree to formally declare these new apartments well and truly open.