South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey welcomes confirmation that Market Improvement Scheme will go ahead

Published: 14 November, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed confirmation from the Housing Executive that one phase of the proposed Environmental Improvement Scheme for the Market area will begin in February/March 2009.


This is an improvement on the previous position whereby the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, had claimed that such work could not go ahead because of the failures of other Assembly Departments, a position which was challenged by Sinn Féin.


Alex Maskey will be meeting with Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie on Thursday 20th November and, among the issues to be discussed will be this Environmental Improvement Scheme.


Alex Maskey MLA said,

"I have been advised by Housing Executive officials that the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, has given approval for one of the phases of the Environmental Improvement Scheme for the Markets area to begin in February/March 2009. It has also been confirmed that a budget is in place for this.


"This is an issue which we have worked hard to raise, and this news is a great improvement on the Minister's previous position in which she had stated that this phase could not go ahead because of the failures of other Assembly Departments. This was a position which we proved to be untrue and our position has now been vindicated.


"While pleased that this phase is to go ahead, I am very disappointed that the Minister has gone against the Housing Executive's proposals and recommendations in relation to the demolition of a number of flats within the Markets area. The original proposals had the support of the community and the decision by the Minister to go against these proposals will be disappointing for the local community".


He concluded,

"That the Minister has changed her position and committed her Department to beginning to implement this scheme is to be welcomed. I am, as are many within the community, deeply disappointed that she has changed her and her Departments position in relation to the demolition of a number of flats within this area. I will be meeting the Minister on Thursday and this matter will be high on the agenda of that meeting".

CRÍOCH