The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has pledged to invest over £21 million to build new homes, carry out upgrade work and maintain its properties in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas in Northern Ireland.

Following a meeting with representatives from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, NIHE said it will also increase the energy efficiency of homes and provide grant aid in the private sector.

Siobhan McCauley, NIHE's Director of Regional Services, said: "The Housing Executive works hard to maintain a good working relationship with councils and it is important this continues. Our Housing Investment Plan was informed by a range of stakeholders and developed as a comprehensive conversation piece for the whole housing sector in Northern Ireland.

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"As the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland we have prepared this plan to inform the community planning partnership on the state of the housing market, on housing needs, the policy priorities and public sector investment proposals for 2015-19.

"There is a lot of work that needs to be done to meet housing need, improve housing stock and provide support for the most vulnerable in our community. We at the Housing Executive will continue to play our part to ensure this work is delivered efficiently, effectively and judiciously."

The investment includes outside maintenance work to 1,103 homes, the installation of kitchens in 407 homes, new heating for 373 homes, double glazing in 328 homes and the new style make-over where bathrooms and kitchens are being installed as well as an upgrade to the electrics in 109 homes.

In the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area, the NIHE will also support tenants who need help to live independently in their homes through the provision of adaptations.

(CD/JP)