A new housing scheme for Irish Travellers has been officially opened in Derry.

The Department for Social Development provided £1.63m towards the 10 new family homes at Labre Park, Derry.

Whilst Travellers have been living on this site for over 30 years, this is the first time that they will be able to enjoy a more permanent home to call their own.

The houses were designed and project managed by the Housing Executive, who have also refurbished the existing transit site alongside these new homes, upgrading facilities to cater for those families who continue to live a more traveller lifestyle.

Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Social Development, said: "I am delighted to be able to open this new Traveller Group Housing Scheme providing 10 families the opportunity to move into a bright, new energy efficient home."

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Marjorie Keenan, Chair of North and West Housing Association, who developed and will now manage the scheme, added: "North and West Housing Association have a long and very proud tradition of delivering a variety of housing schemes across the community and we are delighted to have been asked to bring this exciting new scheme forward."

The opening of the scheme coincides with a week long series of events organised by the Equality Commission to mark 'Traveller Focus Week'. The theme for the week is Intercultural Dialogue.

Evelyn Collins, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission, said: "The reason behind Traveller Focus Week is to raise awareness across the community about the inequalities and problems still faced today by many Irish Travellers. This new housing scheme in Ballyarnett will help address some of these inequalities and make a real and significant improvement to the lives of those who will now live here."

Earlier this year, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie unveiled the New Housing Agenda with the promise to increase the supply of social housing.

(PR)