Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA and Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran TD, presented Oaklee Housing Group with the inaugural 'Cross Border Housing Award' in Holywood County Down this evening.

This is the first time the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have organised an awards ceremony for the north of Ireland. The event celebrated and rewarded the excellent achievements of the organisations and individuals who made a significant difference to their communities on the island of Ireland.

Speaking at the ceremony, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "By co-sponsoring this award we are recognising the valuable contribution made by those who provide housing right across the island of Ireland. Good, affordable housing makes such a positive difference to the lives of so many families right across our society. It encourages respect amongst neighbours, pride in the community and prosperity in its outcome".

"Many congratulations to Oaklee Housing Group who are the first winners of this award. They are an inspiration to those who seek a vision of a shared future for our respective communities, North and South. It is a fine example of what can be achieved collectively, when we work together for the benefit of all communities, old and new, across the island of Ireland."

Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran TD, added: "It is an honour to co-present this award to Oaklee who have shown considerable commitment in meeting housing need on both sides of the border. Just a few months ago, Minister Ritchie and I were delighted to open a new Oaklee family housing scheme at Cuirt na Habhann (River Court) in Ardee, County Louth. We saw at first hand the results of this cross border work and that is why I am delighted to cross the border this evening myself to present this award to our inaugural winners in recognition of the work they do across the island as a whole."

The North and West Housing Association and Fold Housing Association were shortlisted finalists for the new Cross Border Award.

• Oaklee Housing Trust provides social housing for rent in the south of Ireland and is a partner of Oaklee Housing Association which provides social housing for rent in the north of Ireland.
• The Cross Border award was jointly sponsored by the Department for Social Development and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the south of Ireland.
• Minister Ritchie and Minister Finneran agreed to jointly sponsor this CIH award to underline their personal commitment to delivering housing solutions on an all island basis.
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