Plans to build 4600 new social homes across Northern Ireland have been announced by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.

The social housing development programme for 2012/13 to 2014/15 sets out plans to build 4,600 new homes for rent, using government funding of £268 million combined with match funding from the housing association movement. Work has already started to deliver the first 1,325 new homes this year.

Minister McCausland said: "The Executive's Programme for Government set a target of 8000 social and affordable homes by 2015 and this social housing programme keeps us firmly on course to achieve this.

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"The provision of high quality, energy efficient housing is a key priority for my department. This new programme has been directed at the widest possible range of general and supported housing needs throughout all parts of Northern Ireland and will make a significant difference to the lives of a great many people.

"This level of investment also represents a huge boost for the local construction industry and will be a major contributor in helping to grow our economy. We already know that for every £1 invested in construction, almost £3 is generated elsewhere and that every £1m of investment supports 12 jobs - seven directly and five indirectly."

(CD/GK)