“Lir View” announced as name for new Cushendall social housing development

L-R Pupils Emilee Harris, Niamh McLaughlin, Ellie McLaughlin and Nicola Molloy join Tom Potter, Chair, Rural Housing, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Steven Fisher, CEO, Rural Housing at the naming of the new development of social homes in Cushendall.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the construction of 34 new social homes in Cushendall as part of the Housing for All scheme.

The homes, currently under construction at Kilnadore Brae, are being delivered by Rural Housing Association and are expected to be completed next year.

The development aims to address housing demand in the rural Glens community and will also include a five-year programme of Good Relations activities.

As part of the scheme, local pupils from St Mary’s Primary School and Glenann Primary School were invited to suggest names for the new development.

During a visit to St Mary’s, Minister Lyons revealed the winning name as “Lir View”, inspired by the Irish legend of the Children of Lir and Cushendall’s coastal location.

“The names the pupils from St Mary’s and Glenann Primary Schools have suggested have been both thoughtful and creative, paying homage to the mythical heritage and coastal beauty of the local area.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons talks to pupils at St Mary's Primary School about the new housing development in Cushendall. Pupils have been involved in naming the new development Lir View.

“I am pleased to announce the name of the development will be Lir View, inspired by the tale of the Children of Lir and the village’s connection to the Glens of Antrim and Sea of Moyle,” the Minister said.

After announcing the name, Minister Lyons visited the Kilnadore Brae construction site. He commented:

“Going forward, this shared housing development will provide good quality, modern and sustainable homes, tackling the demand for housing in this rural community. Developments like this are happening right across Northern Ireland, bringing economic and social benefits to local areas.

“This housing scheme represents my commitment to providing better quality, affordable homes so that more people can live comfortably and be part of a supportive community.”

Stephen Fisher, Chief Executive of Rural Housing Association, said the involvement of local children added an important community connection to the project. He said:

“We are delighted that the children have played such an important role in naming this development. Lir View will be a landmark scheme for Cushendall, not only addressing housing need but also building connections within the community. We look forward to welcoming the first residents once the homes are completed.”

The 34-home development will provide modern, sustainable, and affordable housing for local families, contributing to the wider goal of improving housing provision across Northern Ireland.