Northern Ireland Executive Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie visited the shared social housing development at Carran Crescent in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, today.

This is the first mixed housing scheme in Northern Ireland resulting from the Government's 'Shared Future' policy. The vision is for a peaceful, inclusive and fair society and further similar housing schemes are planned.

After visiting the homes of some of the residents, Margaret Ritchie said: "Over the years Northern Ireland has come to accept as normal, a society where most people live separately and where our children are educated separately. This division and segregation through housing, employment and in schooling has come at a high price for the whole community.

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"We need to change this. We need to see more shared housing and shared education. I want to do everything I can to encourage a peaceful, inclusive society."

The Minister concluded: "This project here in Carran Crescent is a shining example of how differences can be accommodated together. The make-up of this new community in Carran Crescent demonstrates the diversity of the new Northern Ireland. I will be actively pursuing more Carran Crescents."

The Carran Crescent project is a partnership between the Ulidia Housing Association and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(JM)