Homes in Fermanagh have been invited to tackle Northern Ireland's housing crisis.

The initiative, led by the Civic Initiative, aims to recruit 100 representatives for the Citizens’ Forum on Housing from all six counties.

Participants will help formulate recommendations on key housing issues for the Northern Ireland Assembly and the UK and Irish governments.

This move comes in response to the dire housing situation, with 86,000 people on social housing waiting lists, while homelessness figures have increased by 122 per cent over the last decade, and more than 4,500 children living in temporary accommodation, according to the Department for Communities.

Emma DeSouza, founder and co-facilitator of Civic Initiative, said: “The Northern Ireland Assembly has long failed to provide a vehicle for public participation, whether it was the commitment for a Civic Forum under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, or the latter proposals for a Citizens’ Assembly.

"This is an example of civic society once again having to step up to provide leadership lacking in our politicians.

"We are taking action to bring society's voices to the table and to place the issue of housing to the top of the agenda."

Les Allamby, independent chair of the Civic Initiative Oversight Committee, said: "The Citizens’ Forum on Housing seeks to amplify the importance of civic voice in identifying issues and playing an important role in creating meaningful solutions."

Invitations to participate in this forum have been sent out via a postal lottery.

The forum will meet in November 2024, with a report expected in early 2025.