A new-build housing scheme that would provide homes for hundreds of people on the NI Housing Executive's waiting list may also boost the beleaguered local construction industry.

Although there is some doubt that the project may not proceed immediately - in the present economic climate - clearing the site is said to be the first step in plans for the eco-village - 200 new houses on the site of the former Grosvenor Barracks in Enniskillen.

The Minister for Social Development Alex Attwood was in the lakeland town yesterday to see the site clearance and preparation work for what his Department describes as "new, energy-efficient, social and affordable homes".

He said: "This site will come to symbolise part of the future of this area and Northern Ireland. We should remember and reflect on our past and we should work together to build a new order of things.

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"The demolition of the barracks and the recycling and re-using of any waste material will form the foundation for one of Northern Ireland's first and largest eco-villages comprising of social and affordable houses."

A spokesman for the Department said an outline planning application is soon to be submitted for the larger part of the 20 acre site.

He said that in keeping with the development's eco status, the demolition contractor will re-use and recycle all elements of the demolished buildings.

All concrete and masonry will be crushed and stockpiled on site to provide in-fill for any basements and changes in levels arising from the demolition.

All timber will be chipped and shredded and all structural steel will be recycled and reused where possible, as will the external cladding.

"In essence the past will be used to construct the future," the spokesman explained.

The Minister stated: "What we are doing here on the Grosvenor Barracks site is part of a long-term plan to create an attractive, sustainable residential development.

"They will be homes fit for the future but available for immediate use," the Minister stated.

(BMcC/GK)