Twenty-three new social houses have been officially handed over to Housing Executive tenants in west Belfast.
The Devonshire development, by Ulidia Housing Association, was funded by the Department for Social Development, and incorporates the latest in energy saving, design and security features.
The new homes are the second of three phases in the £7.5m redevelopment of the Devonshire area. Sixteen houses were completed in 2006 and construction of a further 11 houses will start in early 2010.
Speaking at the launch of the new homes, Social Development Minister Ritchie said: "My top priority is to significantly increase the number of social houses being built.
"When the regeneration of Devonshire is complete, we will see a total of 50 new homes provided in this area of high housing need."
The new homes at Devonshire have replaced Housing Executive dwellings which were built on the site in the 1960s.
Minister Ritchie added: "These new homes will continue the provision of high quality, energy efficient homes, built to even more exacting standards than before."
(PR/KMcA)
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