Rathlin Island, located off the north-east coast of Northern Ireland, has seen the completion of 10 new social homes. This marks the first such development on the island in over a decade and is intended to help sustain its community of approximately 150 residents.
Ruari Morgan, one of the first tenants, moved into his new home two weeks ago. He had previously lived without electricity, heating, or hot water for two-and-a-half years after a fire in the backup generator of his old cottage.
The need for more social housing was identified in a 2016 assessment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Rural Housing Association, and Rathlin Development Community Association (RDCA). Marina McMullan, chairwoman of RDCA, stated the scheme is vital for keeping families on the island for employment and schooling.
The allocation of homes used NIHE's points-based system alongside a local Rathlin lettings policy that considered connection to the island. The project faced logistical challenges in transporting workers and building materials to the island.