Nineteen new social homes are to be built across two sites in Co Fermanagh, with construction starting in Irvinestown and Maguiresbridge.

The Rural Housing Association announced the projects, comprising ten homes at Scallen Road in Irvinestown and nine at Railway Court in Maguiresbridge. The combined investment totals £3.84 million.

Funding comes from the Department for Communities, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and private finance through Danske Bank. The department is providing £1.96 million towards the schemes.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the investment reflected his determination to expand access to high-quality housing and to sustain rural communities. He described the developments as an important step in ensuring people have warm, safe and affordable homes.

The homes are designed to be energy efficient, helping residents manage household costs. The association said demand for affordable rural housing remains high and the projects will enable people to stay in their own communities.

John McMullan, vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive board, said the sustainable homes would play a vital role in meeting local demand and growing the community.

Stephen Fisher of the Rural Housing Association said the start of construction was a significant milestone in addressing local need, and he thanked the funding partners for their support.