Sinn Féin has hit out at both the Housing Executive and Department for Communities (DfC) for failing to do more to address the growing inequalities in rural housing provision.

Speaking ahead of her address at Friday's Rural Housing Seminar in Cookstown, Housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín said rural communities "have experienced increased and systemic levels of housing inequality".

"In 1998 the Commission of European Communities in its study 'the future of rural society' identified the main problem facing rural people as the provision of affordable housing in local communities," she said.

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"Most rural families rely on private home ownership, not because they can afford it more than their urban counterparts, average incomes in rural areas are lower, but because there is very little choice.

"The Housing Executive and Department for Communities need to step up and address the growing inequalities that exist in rural housing provision."

Continuing, Ms Ní Chuilín said the use of the rented sector by the Housing Executive to deliver a public response to the growing housing crisis is "unsustainable".

"The focus should be placed on prioritising the supply of social and affordable housing to reduce the growing demand," she said.

"I commend Cllr Seán Mc Peake on his leadership in beginning the discussion on how we address these issues and provide support to the many families and individuals from rural communities who are waiting for a home. 

"I would appeal to people to attend this Friday's Rural Housing Seminar to ensure that those with the responsibility for building homes hear first-hand the experiences of people who are on the waiting lists."

(LM/CM)