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Northern Ireland's Social Development Minister,
Margaret Ritchie visited a Downpatrick home to see at first
hand the benefits of the Warm Homes Scheme.
The home was recently made 43% more energy efficient by replacing
its Petroleum Gas system with a new oil central heating system
installed through the Warm
Homes Scheme.
Margaret Ritchie said - “What I have seen here today illustrates
the huge difference this scheme can make to people’s lives,
their warmth, their comfort and their heating bills. "
The Warm Homes Scheme is the Department for Social Development’s
main instrument in tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.
Since its introduction in 2001, almost 75,000 homes across
Northern Ireland have benefited from a range of measures which
have significantly improved their energy efficiency.
Margaret Ritchie said - “I am committed to improving the
warmth and comfort of vulnerable households and I will continue
to do everything in my power to assist those in poverty. The
Warm Homes Scheme has already improved the energy efficiency
of over 4,000 homes this year.
"I want to thank Bryson Charitable Group for their contribution
in carrying out the work on this and many other homes on behalf
of the Housing Executive. I would also like to thank Ms McMullan
for inviting me into her home and affording me the opportunity
to see for myself how this scheme has benefited her.”
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