NI Housing Executive boss Paddy McIntyre has launched the organisation's first Annual Report of its Rural Action Plan.

The Chief Executive said: "We set out our revised rural strategy last year following extensive public consultation.

"This Report highlights the progress made to date as well as outlining the work that still needs to be done in future years.

"The Housing Executive is committed to revitalising rural communities and working with others to assist in rural development and this document demonstrates the range of work being undertaken, across Northern Ireland, to help meet the needs of individuals, families and communities in rural areas."

Some of the Executive's achievements across Northern Ireland over the past year have included:

• Declaration of the first rural HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Action Areas
• Declaration of the first rural LOTS (Living Over The Shops) Schemes
• Declaration of 7 new Rural Priority Areas where enhanced grant aid is available
• Progress on the first rural Shared Future housing scheme
• An increased target for New Build social housing in rural areas
• Approval of 773 grants to renovate rural properties
• 115 replacement grants approved to facilitate building of new private homes to replace old properties in poor condition

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"The Western Rural Priority Wards Project is a partnership between the Housing Executive, Western Investing for Health, benefit agencies and rural communities aimed at maximising access to and the uptake of services for older people particularly in rural isolated areas."

The first phase included:

• 31 participants being offered a total of £153,147 in grant aid
• 32 people referred for home security assessment
• Participants qualifying for additional benefits of £16,873 per annum
• Allocation of 11 telecare packages worth £12,650

Barry Boyle of the Fermanagh RCN, who works on the project, said: "Many older people availing of services in Phase 1 would not have been able to access these services without the support of local volunteers.

"We hope Phase 2 which targets Belcoo & Garrison, Derrygonnelly, Derrylin and Belleek and Boa and Boho, Cleenish and Letterbreen will be just as successful."

(PR/JM)