The future of housing in Northern Ireland will be discussed at a conference organised by students from the University of Ulster this week.

Final year Housing Management students from the Jordanstown campus will be hosting a half-day conference at Helm House, Lisburn Road, Belfast, tomorrow (Tuesday, April 20) from 9.30am to 1.30pm. 

The conference, ‘Looking to the Future – Meeting the Challenges Facing Northern Ireland Housing’, aims to explore the key housing challenges and opportunities associated with the delivery of housing in Northern Ireland. 

Professor Paddy Gray, University of Ulster Professor of Housing, said: "This conference is very timely as it addresses fundamental issues such as rising waiting lists for social housing, difficulties in obtaining mortgages, the rising demand for private rented accommodation and falling house prices.”

The students have worked collectively in bringing together a range of key practitioners and government officials to discuss this important issue.

Speakers include: Grainia Long – Director, Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland

Paddy McIntyre – Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Housing Executive

David Malcolm – Department for Social Development

Eileen Patterson – Director of Housing, Fold Housing Association

Marnette Lyons – Chair, Landlord’s Association of Northern Ireland

Bill Morrison – Senior Planning ConsultantA fee of £35, or £10 for first and second year students, will be charged. This includes documentation and a light lunch after the conference. 

Anyone wishing to attend the conference should contact Carol McMurray, University of Ulster, Jordanstown on 02890 368979, email cr.mcmurray@ulster.ac.uk or contact Ciara Black at black-c6@email.ulster.ac.uk.