Northern Ireland's Housing Minister has confirmed targets to provide new social properties is "on track".

Margaret Ritchie said 508 new homes have been started and a further 522 have been completed.

She said the Department for Social Development has set aside £155m to provide 1,750 new homes, which it is "well on target" to deliver this year.

"We now move into the second part of the year, when the majority of houses will have cleared planning permission and can be delivered on the ground."

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Ms Ritchie described this as a "landmark year" for social housing, with plans to deliver 1,750 houses for the first time in over a decade.

"This level of provision will not only help those in urgent housing need, but also provide a major boost to the construction sector and the wider economy in general."

She lauded the work of the Housing Executive and Housing Associations.

"Having a roof over one’s head is a fundamental right and a key building block of our entire social development. That is why I will continue to do all I can to ensure that those on the waiting list have a home in the shortest possible time," added the Minister.

(PR/BMcC)