There's to be a multi-million pound investment in a Londonderry housing project.

NI Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie has announced funding of over £23million for two new social housing developments in Derry City.

Housing schemes at Dove Gardens in the Bogside and at Skeoge Road, in the Galliagh area, will see 187 new homes provided over the next two years. All will incorporate the latest in energy saving, design and security features.

North and West Housing has completed 20 new family homes and a further 43 will complete in April, at Dove Gardens.

"This long awaited package is excellent news for the city," said the Minister.

"Some have questioned my commitment to housing in Derry. Let this announcement leave no one in any doubt of my commitment to deliver for all those in housing need."

The Minister also announced the imminent start of 124 new houses at Skeoge Road.

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Planning permission has just been granted for a total of 280 new homes on this and adjacent sites. This development incorporates three landscaped areas of open space, including a children's playground, to be maintained and managed by Derry City Council.

The Minister continued: "Derry has long suffered from high levels of housing stress, with sites difficult to source and I was determined to turn that around. These quality developments will make major inroads into housing waiting lists and help stimulate and drive forward the physical and environmental regeneration of this part of the North West.

"In addition to providing much needed new housing, this significant investment by my Department will be a major boost to the beleaguered construction industry, not only in the North West, but much further afield."

Praising the role of the Planning Service for the speed in which the Skeoge Road application was passed, Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "It is good to see my Department and the Department for Social Development working together to deliver this much needed development.

"This is a significant development and one which will give a considerable boost to our local construction sector.

"I particularly welcome the fact that Planning Service was able to turn the planning approval for Skeoge around in quick time. This ensures that houses can be started before the end of this financial year." he said.

Minister Ritchie has also announced a £25million investment for the redevelopment of the former Bass Brewery site in West Belfast.

(NS/BMcc)