Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is set to bring the construction and housing sectors together for a major conference on Friday, November 14 at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, County Tyrone.

The event will focus on practical steps to increase the supply of private, social and affordable homes across the district, addressing the growing pressure on housing in both urban and rural areas.

The 'Future Housing Provision: Housing Conference 2025' will bring contractors, developers, housing associations, planning professionals and infrastructure providers face-to-face with key decision-makers from government and the community sector. Discussions will centre on removing barriers to delivery, improving housing availability and ensuring that new developments meet the needs of local people.

A strong line-up of speakers will include Professor Paddy Gray (Ulster University), representatives from the Department for Communities, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Planning Department, and housing associations such as Co-Ownership Housing. The conference will also feature input from estate agents, young people and tenant representatives. Paul Clark (Broadcaster) will chair proceedings.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: “Housing is one of the defining challenges of our time. This conference is an opportunity to bring partners together to move from policy into action. 

My emphasis is that we need to see this happen in a local context … in our main towns, Omagh and Enniskillen, in our smaller towns including Carrickmore, Dromore, Fintona, Irvinestown and Lisnaskea, and in our villages and other rural areas. We want to create the conditions to deliver more social and affordable homes, in the right places, for those who need them most.”

Cllr McElduff added: “Where are our people, young and old, going to live is a question that I am often asked. What is available or deliverable ? Will it be affordable ? This conference is about addressing those questions.”

Delegates from across the construction and housing sectors are expected to attend, including developers, architects, planners, infrastructure providers, estate agents, and representatives from the community, voluntary and advice sectors, alongside elected members and government officials.

The event will run from 8.45am to 1pm, followed by a networking lunch.

For further information, contact [email protected] or book via www.eventbrite.co.uk