The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) failed to complete thousands of emergency repairs on time, according to figures obtained by the BBC. The data, covering the period from April 2025 to March 2026, shows that out of over 100,000 emergency repair jobs, approximately 15% were not completed within the target timeframe.
Emergency repairs, which include issues such as gas leaks, electrical faults, and burst pipes, are supposed to be addressed within 24 hours. However, the figures indicate that around 15,000 repairs were delayed beyond this deadline. The NIHE attributed the delays to a combination of high demand and staffing shortages.
In response, the NIHE stated that it has increased its workforce and is implementing new systems to improve response times. A spokesperson said, 'We apologize to any tenant who has experienced a delay and are working hard to ensure all emergency repairs are completed promptly.'
The news has drawn criticism from local politicians, who argue that the delays pose serious risks to tenant safety. The Department for Communities has announced a review of NIHE's repair services to address these concerns.
