Durkan says it will take 350 years to clear Derry’s social housing list as figures show only 18 new builds completed
Mark Durkan has claimed it will take 350 years to clear the social housing list in Derry at the current rate as figures show only 18 new social homes were completed last year.
Figures obtained by the SDLP MLA from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed that of 958 new build social homes completed in 2025/26 only 18 were in Foyle.
Mr. Durkan contended that with 6,400 housing applications currently on the waiting list across Derry, at the current rate, it would take more than 350 years to clear the waiting list.
“In Foyle, an area of greatest housing need, just 18 social homes were completed last year despite thousands of local people and families crying out for housing. That is staggering and I know will be gutting for those waiting years, often in horrendous living conditions, for somewhere to call home.
“The Executive pledged £115m for social housing, yet the draft budget allocates just £3 million. That represents a staggering 97% shortfall,” he said.