The construction industry has been given a much needed boost with the announcement of a £18m social housing scheme.

Stormont Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has kick-started building work at a new social housing scheme, one of the largest developments currently under construction in Newcastle.

The new scheme by Apex Housing Association will see 149 new homes built in Newcastle, Co Down, an area of high housing need, and will see more than 130 people employed in the build over the next two years.



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Minister McCausland said: "This housing scheme is not only going to see new homes for people who need them, but also, employment for some of those working in an industry that has suffered much in recent years.

"I am very pleased to lend my hand to the brick work today and that my department has lent a hand through investment for the people of Newcastle and those in the construction industry."



"Investing in social housing has strong multiplier effects in terms of employment. Research has shown that for every 10 jobs created by building social housing, seven other jobs will be created or sustained elsewhere in the wider economy.

"In these difficult times, this has to be good news both locally for Newcastle and further afield," he said, adding, this development is the biggest to start in Newcastle for more than 30 years and will address most the housing need in the area when completed.

(LB/BMcC)