§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the cost of the damage recently caused to Housing Executive property at Carrabane walk in Londonderry;
(2) if he will give details as to the age, type and number of housing units recently damaged at Carrabane walk, Londonderry; and if he wall make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe flats at Carrabane walk, Londonderry comprised nine three-storey blocks each containing six flats: of these 18 had one bedroom and 36 had two bedrooms. The accommodation cost some £750,000 to build in 1971 which would be about £1.5 million to £2 million at today's prices. As a result of the damage done in arson attacks in the period up to 15 June, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has requested and has been given approval to demolish the flats, at an estimated cost of £16,000.
I utterly deplore the wanton destruction of this housing which was only 13 years old. With planned refurbishment these flats had a substantial further useful life. We cannot afford to lose accommodation of this kind; its loss can only add to housing pressure in the immediate area. It is not realistic to believe that any housing authority would have the resources to transfer funds from other priority purposes to provide replacements. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is no exception. I very much hope that throughout Northern Ireland local leaders and community groups will work together with the relevant public authorities to ensure that there is no repetition.