A coalition of home builders in Northern Ireland is making waves with the launch of Build Homes NI, a new group dedicated to addressing the region’s housing crisis exacerbated by failing wastewater infrastructure. This critical issue, attributed to decades of underfunding by the Northern Ireland Executive, has created a multifaceted crisis with social, environmental, and economic implications.
James Fraser, Director of Fraser Partners, a prominent home builder in Northern Ireland, highlighted the repercussions of neglecting NI Water’s infrastructure, linking it directly to the housing and environmental crises plaguing the region. The plummeting rate of new home completions, now at a 60-year low, has contributed to soaring levels of homelessness and hindered overall economic growth. Fraser emphasized the urgent need for systemic solutions from the Executive to avert further deterioration.
Under the leadership of Director Paul McErlean, Build Homes NI is urging the Executive to take decisive action as the housing waiting lists continue to swell. With less than 5,000 new homes completed last year, the demand for housing options has outstripped the supply, leaving a staggering 47,000 households on social housing lists, including thousands enduring years of wait time. The escalating crisis has led to a doubling in the number of households in temporary accommodation within just five years.
NI Water has identified 100 sites across Northern Ireland where inadequate wastewater infrastructure is stifling development, underscoring the pressing need for increased funding and strategic planning. At a recent Stormont Infrastructure Committee meeting, NI Water officials disclosed a projected shortfall of up to £1 billion in funding from the Executive through 2027, compounding a previous £700 million shortfall from 2015 to 2021.
The founding members of Build Homes NI, comprising industry heavyweights like Alskea, Braidwater Group, and Lagan Homes, have collectively been involved in over 100 new housing developments in Northern Ireland, delivering a diverse range of homes to meet the region’s needs. The group is expanding its membership to include more stakeholders in the housing sector and aims to provide evidence-based research to inform policy discussions.
Build Homes NI’s call to action for increased home construction is resonating with a community grappling with unaffordable housing options, environmental degradation, and economic setbacks. As the group mobilizes for change, the spotlight is on the Northern Ireland Executive to step up to its responsibilities, forge a sustainable funding model for NI Water, and lead the charge in resolving this complex crisis.
For those looking to get involved in Build Homes NI’s advocacy efforts and stay informed on the latest developments, visit their website at buildhomes-ni.com. As the housing crisis unfolds, the collective voice of home builders and concerned citizens is poised to drive meaningful change and shape a brighter future for Northern Ireland.
