Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has outlined his priorities for housing which includes offering more affordable housing options and more social homes.

Minister Lyons delivered an address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference in the Europa Hotel, which brings together organisations from across the housing spectrum. Mr Lyons said: "Rents and mortgage rates are rising and there is massive demand for private rentals and social housing, yet over the last few years housebuilding has declined. If we want to avoid sliding into a housing crisis, we must deliver the housing we need."

During the speech, Mr Lyons outlined his intention to make progress in a number of areas saying that there is a requirement "to build more social homes to address growing housing stress". He said: "We need to deliver more affordable housing options. We need to support people to live independently in their own homes and feel part of their community. We need to provide better quality homes so people can live comfortably and safely.

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"Of course, this work needs to be done at a time when budgets are under pressure across the public sector. However, we have to do it, as otherwise thousands more households and families will struggle to buy a home or pay their rent.

"These issues won’t be fixed quickly, or indeed easily. But now, more than ever, we need to work collectively – at all levels of government, with stakeholders, delivery partners and communities – to address the situation we face."

Minister Lyons also attended the opening of the Black Ridge housing development in west Belfast. The development which is currently the largest under construction in Northern Ireland will provide 653 new homes, including 549 social homes to rent and 104 affordable homes for sale through shared ownership.

The scheme, valued at £102 million, has been supported by £52.4 million Housing Association Grant funding from the Department for Communities and £49.4 million private finance investment by Apex Housing Association.

In a statement, Mr Lyons said: "As Minister, I am pleased to be opening this transformational project. Landmark developments such as Black Ridge are a significant step in addressing the housing need which exists in this community.

"Everyone has a right to a decent standard of housing. And yet, a home is much more than bricks and mortar. It begins with a roof over someone’s head. But it extends far beyond that, into a collaborative effort which supports individuals and families.

"We recognise that houses can be designed and built, but communities are developed and nurtured. And I thank all those here today for giving me the opportunity to share in this event.

"Schemes of this size and nature are the result of a tremendous amount of work, involving individuals, organisations, communities and government at various levels. I commend Apex Housing Association, and indeed all those involved, and wish the residents every happiness in their new homes."