£6.8m shared housing development officially launched in Omagh

A MAJOR new £6.8 million housing development has been officially launched in Omagh, bringing 31 high-quality new homes to the area and marking a significant boost for local families and the wider community.

Delivered by Arbour Housing, the Mountjoy Road and Woodside Grange development includes a mix of houses, apartments and a specially adapted bungalow, designed to meet a wide range of housing needs while promoting inclusive, shared living.

The development is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, which aims to strengthen community relations and build more united neighbourhoods. To date, £3.6 million has been invested in the scheme and its associated five-year Good Relations Plan, with the potential for total public investment to reach £3.8 million following final approval. Arbour Housing has also committed a further £3 million in private finance.

Rooted in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Together: Building a United Community strategy, the ‘Housing for All’ programme reflects a long-term commitment to improving community relations and creating shared, welcoming places to live.

Kieran Matthews, chief executive of Arbour Housing, said the project represents a major step forward for Omagh.

“Arbour Housing is dedicated to providing sustainable and inclusive housing solutions while serving the community with dignity, accessibility and long-term comfort in mind. This development is already making a real difference by giving families and individuals a place to call home, featuring modern design, energy-efficient principles and reduced heating costs that support a greener future.

“With waiting lists across Northern Ireland at critical levels, this new development provides vital housing capacity in a highly strained market. It gives me great pleasure to see Mountjoy Road and Woodside Grange filled with people in homes designed to help them live, share and grow together.

“This project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, community focus and a shared commitment to building better futures.”

The chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Barry McElduff, welcomed the development and its wider impact.

“Housing remains a critical issue, and I want to acknowledge Arbour Housing for their strong commitment to housing development and to promoting positive community relations in Omagh and across our district.

“As highlighted at our Housing Conference in Omagh in November 2025, the need for more high-quality, affordable homes is clear. Safe, secure housing is central to health, prosperity and strong communities - not just in Omagh and Enniskillen, but across our towns, villages and rural areas.”

The £6.8 million scheme was delivered in partnership with contractor GEDA Construction and supported financially by Danske Bank.

Claire McKeown, corporate banking manager at Danske Bank, congratulated

Arbour Housing on delivering another high-quality housing development.

“With demand for affordable homes continuing to rise, Danske Bank is pleased to support projects that contribute to sustainable development and thriving communities across Northern Ireland.”

GEDA Construction’s Associate Director, Eddie Murnin, added: “It has been a privilege to deliver the Mountjoy Road development on behalf of Arbour Housing. With the first phase now complete and the second phase due later this year, the scheme will provide much-needed social housing for local families. We are proud to help shape the future of the area by delivering safe, high-quality homes.”

Alongside new housing, the Mountjoy Road development is supported by a Good Relations Plan that includes ‘Bridging’ events open to the wider community, focusing on areas such as health and wellbeing, education and training. Arbour Housing continues to work closely with the established local Advisory Group in Omagh to ensure the scheme delivers lasting community benefits.

Arbour Housing currently operates shared housing developments in Banbridge, Newry, Newcastle, Omagh and Magherafelt, continuing its mission to provide quality homes and support sustainable communities across Northern Ireland.