McCrossan urges Minister to prioritise Springhill Park Window Replacement Scheme

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has urged the Minister for Social Development to prioritise the Springhill Park Window Replacement Scheme following news the scheme is to be rolled out by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in March 2017.

Mr McCrossan has now urged the Minister to prioritise these works in the Springhill Park area of Strabane after revealing the start date would be subject to the ongoing budget review, design and approval process.

Speaking after the announcement Mr McCrossan said “The issue with poor quality windows in the Springhill Park area of Strabane has been an ongoing issue for a number of years. I have been working with constituents in the Springhill Park area and the poor quality windows installed by the Housing Executive is a constant source of frustration for residents.”

“The quality of these windows, in my view, is simply unacceptable and they are unfit for purpose. I have seen first-hand how residents struggle to heat their homes and keep fuel costs to a minimum when their windows can neither keep in heat nor keep cold draughts out. This coupled with the recent storms the North West has experienced in the last few weeks, has only made a difficult job harder for residents.”

“I have lobbied the Minister on this issue and I will continue to do so to ensure this scheme is rolled out on schedule. There can be absolutely no delay in these necessary works being carried out.”

McCrossan: RHI shutdown raises concern over 70 Omagh jobs

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has slammed a decision by the Minister Jonathan Bell to axe the Renewable Heat Incentive. The loss of the scheme which funds renewable heating projects to produce renewable energy is predicted to cost 2,000 jobs with a business owner in Omagh expressing concern for his 70 staff.

Mr McCrossan said: “Minister Bell’s sudden announcement makes devastating reading for the many businesses who have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into equipment on the basis of the scheme

“One company based in Omagh have £650,000 worth of orders taken on this scheme and have £400,000 worth of boilers already paid for and non-refundable. They are expecting this move to cost them around £1million and are seriously concerned about the future of their 70 staff. They said that if the Minister had given warning or employed a staggered reduction then the damage would not be as severe.

“DETI has specialised in low-skill job creation and massive job losses particularly in manufacturing. Throughout the North this move has been forecast to cost 2,000 jobs in an industry that employs graduates and skilled workers.  Minister Bell seems intent on creating a call-centre economy.

“The Minister intends to bring his plan to the Assembly on Monday. The SDLP will strong in our opposition to a decision that will only put people on the dole queue and businesses into administration.”