SDLP Deputy Leader Dolores Kelly has said that Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy needs to retain more contractors to clear up the mess left by incomplete housing developments where bonds have been forfeited.

The Upper Bann MLA, who sits on Stormont’s Regional Development Committee, received yesterday an answer from the Minister to a written question (AQW 10673/11-15) asking how many sites remained incomplete, how many contractors were working on behalf of DRD to complete work and what timeframe they were working to.

-- Advertisement --

Mrs Kelly said: "The Minister informs me that there are 83 sites requiring work, but of these, only 23 sites are receiving attention and only 14 contractors have been retained to carry out the work.

"Forfeited development bonds lead to chaos and misery for people resident in these incomplete developments, who can find themselves without street lighting or with faulty sanitation.

"We all recognise that times are hard and finance is not infinite, but Danny Kennedy should be carefully scrutinizing his budget to see where he can find the cash to retain more contractors to oversee work on more of these unfinished developments.

"This would not only serve to allay the concerns of residents living on these semi-derelict estates but also give a healthy shot in the arm to the local construction industry, which plays such an important part in the North's economy."

(CD)