NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie and Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran, were on hand recently to present Oaklee Housing Group with the inaugural Cross Border Housing Award.

The event marked the first time the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have organised an awards ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ritchie said: "By co-sponsoring this award we are recognising the valuable contribution made by those who provide housing right across the island of Ireland. Good, affordable housing makes such a positive difference to the lives of so many families right across our society. It encourages respect amongst neighbours, pride in the community and prosperity in its outcome.

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"Many congratulations to Oaklee Housing Group who are the first winners of this award. They are an inspiration to those who seek a vision of a shared future for our respective communities, North and South. It is a fine example of what can be achieved collectively, when we work together for the benefit of all communities, old and new, across the island of Ireland."

Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran, added: "It is an honour to co-present this award to Oaklee who have shown considerable commitment in meeting housing need on both sides of the border.

"Just a few months ago, Minister Ritchie and I were delighted to open a new Oaklee family housing scheme at Cuirt na Habhann (River Court) in Ardee, County Louth.

"We saw at first hand the results of this cross border work and that is why I am delighted to cross the border this evening myself to present this award to our inaugural winners in recognition of the work they do across the island as a whole."

See: NI Housing Sector Shines At Awards

(NS/BMcC)