6th May 1998

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Researchers at the University of Ulster's Magee College in Londonderry/Derry have announced an 18 month study into mixed housing, one of the subjects promoted in the Stormont Agreement.

The project will begin later this year and will concentrate on one thousand households in south Belfast, including areas such as Carryduff, Four Winds, Cairnshill and Newtownbreda.

Strand Three of the Stormont Agreement describes initiatives to promote mixed housing an essential part of the reconciliation process in the province.

The University study, which is being carried out for the Central Community Relations Unit, is expected to consider how practical a government policy for mixed housing could be. (A recent Housing Executive report recorded almost 70% who felt the body should ensure the existence of 'mixed' estates.)

The study is also expected to look at the myth that segregated housing is mainly a class phenomenon. It will consider recent evidence that private housing markets in polarised areas, such as Craigavon, are religiously segregated.

The work will be carried out by Dr Brendan Murtagh, who has previously studied trends in segregated and 'peace line' housing. The new project will involve assessing a complex combination of factors including religious and social affiliations and how they impact on housing.

Dr Murtagh says one of the theories he expects to encounter in his research is that people who have a strong investment in an area, be it financial or emotional, will be more committed to ensuring good relationships:

"You tend not to get painted kerb stones in middle class areas. One of the factors at work may be that people are concerned about the image of their area and the value of their homes.

"The key may be to see how people can make a personal investment in the area, should it be through involvement in community groups or the like."

Dr Murtagh says that one of the theories which will be examined during the research is that mixed religion, private sector developments do not necessarily constitute integrated housing:

"The fact that Protestant and Catholic people live side by side may not mean too much: sharing the same physical terrority does not mean you share the same social terrority.

"People may move from a segregated area into a mixed development but still retain links to schools and churches in the old area. In real terms they may be segregated in the way they go about their daily lives," he said.

According to existing research, 312 Executive estates in the province are 'mixed'.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk