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

Sinn Féin joins community in calling for Social Housing on Barracks site

Published: 10 October, 2009

East Belfast Sinn Féin representative NIall Ó Donnghaile, yesterday afternoon, joined with representatives of various community groups in the Short Strand area to submit a letter to Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie at her Department's Headquarters in the Gasworks area.


The letter called upon the Minister to acquire the land vacated by Mountpottinger PSNI Barracks, and to use it to develop social, family homes. Those present also requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss the issue.


Niall Ó Donnghaile said,

"As of 31st August 2009, the Policing Board has officially closed Mountpottinger PSNI Barracks in the Short Strand.


"The Short Strand community, including Sinn Féin, the Partnership Board, Saint Matthew's Housing Association and other local groups have been campaigning for the removal of this facility and it's replacement with the much needed, suitable, family homes for many years now.


"Yesterday afternoon I joined with representatives of various community groups in the Short Strand area to submit a letter to Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie at her Department's Headquarters.


"The letter is calls upon the Minister to heed the appeals of the short Strand community to urgently acquire the land vacated by Mountpottinger PSNI Barracks for the development of social, family homes.


"The Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has set clear targets in relation to the development of social housing and I have no doubt that all stakeholders will view this vacated land as an ideal opportunity to implement that policy in an area of such high demand."