The Housing Executive unveiled its new rural strategy during an event at the Rural Community Network offices in Cookstown. The plan runs to 2031 and outlines a renewed focus on collaboration with rural communities.

The strategy is built around three central themes: delivering housing services to rural tenants, supporting the creation of more affordable homes, and helping to secure a sustainable future for smaller settlements. Caroline Connor, the organisation’s interim director for strategic housing, stressed that affordable provision is essential to keeping villages alive.

Engagement with rural households will be intensified, with local offices promoting assistance designed to sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. The plan also envisages a review of Housing Needs Tests and a revamp of the Rural Residents Forum, alongside stronger ties with groups that helped shape the document.

Energy efficiency forms a major pillar of the strategy. All Housing Executive properties will continue to receive upgrades on the path to net-zero carbon, and the organisation intends to pioneer rural initiatives that deploy new technologies to reduce dependence on carbon-based heating. Connor noted that improving efficiency in both new-build and retrofitted homes can substantially lower rural fuel poverty.

Connor thanked the Rural Community Network, the Rural Residents Forum, tenants and rural representatives who contributed to the strategy’s development.