Paddy McIntyre, the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive was at the Fermanagh County Show to launch the first Annual Report of their Rural Action Plan.

He explained that, last year, the Executive set out its revised rural strategy following extensive public consultation. The Report highlighted the progress made to date as well as outlining the work that still needed to be done.

"The Housing Executive", Mr McIntyre said, " is committed to revitalising rural communities and working with others to assist in rural development.

"This document demonstrates the range of work being undertaken, across Northern Ireland, to help meet the needs of individuals, families and communities in rural areas."

NIHE's achievements across Northern Ireland over the past year include three declarations, namely

of the first rural Houses in Multiple Occupation Action Areas; the first rural Living Over The Shops Schemes, and seven new Rural Priority Areas where enhanced grant aid is available.

The Report documents progress on the first rural Shared Future housing scheme, an increased target for New Build social housing in rural areas, approval of 773 grants to renovate rural properties, and 115 replacement grants approved to facilitate building of new private homes to replace old properties in poor condition.

Addressing the situation here, Mr McIntyre commented: "Here in Fermanagh, a specific rural policy, the Western Rural Priority Wards Project initiative has helped improve the lives of older rural citizens.

"This a partnership between the Housing Executive, Western Investing for Health, benefit agencies and rural communities, all aimed at maximising access to and the uptake of services for older people particularly in rural isolated areas."

THE FIRST PHASE INCLUDED:

* 31 participants being offered a total of £153,147 in grant aid

* 32 people referred for home security assessment

* Participants qualifying for additional benefits of £16,873 per annum

* allocation of 11 telecare packages worth £12,650

Phase two of the project has just been launched. Barry Boyle of the Fermanagh Rural Community Network, who works on the project.

He revealed that many older people availing of services in Phase 1 would not have been able to access these services without the support of local volunteers.

"We hope Phase 2 which targets Belcoo & Garrison, Derrygonnelly, Derrylin and Belleek and Boa and Boho, Cleenish and Letterbreen will be just as successful."

Meanwhile, Mr McIntyre concluded said that through this and other projects in the Rural Action Plan, in tandem with the help of others, the Executive was working to ensure that housing services could help sustain rural communities and provide economic, social and environmental benefits in rural areas.

New Rural Priority Areas include Boho, Cleenish and Letterbreen.