SDLP Deputy Leader Dolores Kelly has hit out at the Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland for failing to set out how areas were selected for the housing regeneration programme.

Ms Kelly, who is the party's social development spokesperson, said: "Nelson McCausland has once again circumvented convention and made an important announcement regarding housing regeneration without full and proper consultation. This initiative deals with an extremely important issue, and a proper debate in the Assembly or at the Social Development Committee was an imperative.

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'We need to hear from the Minister just exactly how the six pilot areas were selected. There was no effective equality impact assessment conducted and that is simply not good enough.

"Many people will be incredulous that the North West has once again been overlooked by this latest initiative despite the pressing need for improved housing, infrastructure and employment in that area.

"There continues to be significant challenges in terms of housing right across this region with many areas desperately in need of regeneration. This is made all the more frustrating when we see that there is still no movement around developing the site at Girdwood for example.

"If additional funding has become available then perhaps it would be better put into the general neighbourhood renewal pot. It is essential that whatever way the Minister decides to allocate funding for housing regeneration is properly tested."

(CD/JP)