May 14 In the Press

Basil McCrea gives his full backing for zero carbon construction schemes

By Eleanor McGillie

THE future of house building in Northern Ireland was up for discussion this week as breakaway politician Basil McCrea visited Northern Ireland’s first zero carbon home which was accredited by the Government.

Mr McCrea, who resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) in February, and will launch his own political party in four to five week’s time, travelled to Middletown to see how greener technologies can be used to address issues such as fuel poverty – an issue which is becoming more prevalent in Northern Ireland.

Mr McCrea described the 3,000 sq ft showhouse as “an exemplary concept” which could stamp out fuel poverty for privately owned homeowners and for social housing. But Mr McCrea said the concept could also be adopted for new build hospitals, schools and other public buildings.

Per annum, energy bills for the zero carbon house amount to approximately £300 – an amount which many oil burning homeowners could use in a number of weeks during a cold snap.

Mr McCrea said: “This house was the first house in Northern Ireland which has been accredited by the Government and was relieved of rates because of its energy efficiencies. It has received support from other leading politicians, north and south of the border, universities and colleges, social housing associations and other government organisations.

“This is the way homes should be built. We have just had a very long winter and there are people in Northern Ireland who suffer from fuel poverty. People are choosing to either heat their homes or eat. This is a worrying development. But, there is a solution here and we fully support it. I can see for myself how these green technologies combined can save people so much money. This is a traditional home, built in a rural location, and, because of the clever uses of technology, it is a low cost family home to run.”

John McClatchey, MD of Green Future NI, the company responsible for building the zero carbon house, was delighted to welcome Mr McCrea.

He said: “We are continually getting more and more support for our zero carbon initiative. This is the future of house building in Northern Ireland. People are fed up paying huge energy bills when it is completely unnecessary. The more energy efficient your house is, the less money you have to pay out on oil, gas or electricity. It is that simple.”

ENDS:

For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 Construction PR | Construction Northern Ireland | Zero Carbon Homes | Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism Experts | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism UK

Notes To Editor:

  • Green Future NI is a construction company with offices in Armagh and Monaghan. It is  responsible for building Northern Ireland first Zero carbon home in Middletown just outside Armagh City. The concept has been applauded by the Environment Minister Alex Attwood following an official opening last March which attracted widespread media attention, north and south of the border. Politicians praised the concept as being the future of house building. The company is currently planning future developments which will create jobs in the construction industry.

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