Ten new homes have been unveiled on Rathlin Island, marking the completion of its first social housing development in more than a decade.

Residents gathered with community and political representatives to celebrate its official opening on Thursday, September 24.

Delivered by Rural Housing Association in partnership with the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the development will help address local housing need and support the long-term sustainability of the island community.

The development follows a housing needs assessment carried out in 2016 by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Rural Housing Association and Rathlin Community Development Association, which identified a clear need for additional social housing on the island.

placeholder image — Left to right: Cllr Maighréad Watson, Assistant to MLA Jon Burrows, Gary Simpson, Cllr Margaret Anne McKillop, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, Sandra Hunter, Cllr Cara McShane, Cllr Bill Kennedy, and Chair of Rural Housing Association Tom Potter

The approach ensures the new homes meet local housing need while enabling people to remain on, work on or return to Rathlin. With the island currently home to approximately 150 people, access to suitable and affordable housing is vital to sustaining its population and community.

Welcoming the new development, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Rathlin Island and reflects years of partnership, planning and investment to deliver much-needed social homes in this beautiful location.

“This new development is about much more than the fabric of a home. It is about providing people and families with the opportunity to create a home and build their future on the island. I commend Rural Housing Association for bringing forward such a challenging build in this island setting, and the local community for its continued engagement.

"By enabling more people to put down roots here, these new homes will strengthen the community, support the sustainability of island life and, importantly, deliver for people in housing need.”

Carita Coulter, Head of North Place Shaping (A) at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Board, said: “We are proud to have played a key role in delivering these much-needed homes for Rathlin Island. From identifying the need for additional social housing through the 2016 housing needs assessment, to working alongside our partners to bring the development forward, this has been a truly collaborative effort.”

Rural Housing Chief Executive, Stephen Fisher said: “It has been wonderful to celebrate the official opening of our new development with residents, the local community and all the partners who helped make this development possible.

"Rathlin Island is a truly special place, with a strong and close-knit community. These new homes will give more people with a connection to the island the opportunity to build their lives here, helping to sustain its population and support a thriving community for generations to come.”

Chair of Rathlin Community Development Association, Marina McMullan, added: “The opening of these homes is a hugely positive moment for Rathlin. Access to affordable housing is essential if people are to remain on the island, return to live here or take up local employment.

This development responds to a need identified by the community and will make a meaningful contribution to Rathlin’s future. We are delighted to welcome the new residents and celebrate this milestone together.”