To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the timescale for current refurbishment and maintenance repairs of (i) Beechwood House; and (ii) Woodland House, in Newtownabbey.

This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.

I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“The Housing Executive is currently undertaking a business case to assess several options for the future of Beechwood & Woodland Houses. These options may include a number of refurbishment options; however, no decision will be made until the business case has been completed and submitted to our Board for approval.

The residents will be consulted on the contents of the business case prior to its submission to the Board. In respect of the balcony issue, we are working with our consultants on a design solution and once this has been completed we will be able to give a clearer timescale on its implementation. Residents will be kept up to date as to its progress. In the meantime, the building safety team continue to inspect and monitor the balconies and undertake necessary repairs as required.”