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NIHE’s pilot retrofit on County Antrim estate nears completion
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is nearing the completion of an energy efficiency pilot on an estate in the town of Ballymena in County Atrim.
NIHE’s pilot retrofit on County Antrim estate nears completion #UKhousingThe Northern Ireland Housing Executive is nearing the completion of an energy efficiency pilot on an estate in the town of Ballymena in County Atrim #UKhousingThe property on the Drumtara Estate in Ballee is undergoing retrofit and design enhancements to update energy performance, address structural concerns and improve long-term living standards.
Concerns were raised about issues with the property in 2023; issues included leaks, damp and condensation, and poor thermal performance.
Working with a contractor, the NIHE has removed the existing mono-pitched roof build-ups with concrete tiles and replaced with clay tiles, which are more suited to shallow pitches.
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Completion is anticipated in autumn 2025.The improvements have already informed repair work on nearby homes that were damaged during Storm Éowyn, especially those in need of urgent roof replacements.
Paul Fishwick, maintenance manager for North Belfast at the NIHE, said: “We are delighted to be taking the lead on this scheme which is set to provide both retrofit fabric upgrade and design improvements to this dwelling.
“The works to this pilot should also help to inform any upcoming schemes regarding roof replacements and external cyclical maintenance.”
The house, along with most of the estate, was constructed in 1978 and, like the rest of the Housing Executive properties in the area, was subsequently included in a five-year programme of improvement works.
Mr Fishwick added: “Following the extensive upgrade works inside and outside the pilot property a new family will benefit hugely from making this cost and energy efficient property their home when they receive the keys on completion.”
“It is the hope this exemplary scheme will continue to inform many of our future improvement works in the area and further afield.”
This week, the NIHE launched a research project on the demand for social and affordable housing in the Mid Ulster area.
The rural housing needs test will focus on the village of The Loup and potential residents are being urged to register their interest in living in the village before Friday 29 August 2025.
The Housing Executive explained that its staff are “very keen to engage with any potential residents who would like more information”.
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