The minister cut the first sod on the eight-bed residential facility at Springfarm, which received £1.1 million of investment from his department.

??The minister said: "This project is just one component of a major programme of capital investment in the health and social care infrastructure across Northern Ireland.?? It will provide a homely living environment for children for whom fostering is not an option or whose needs can be best met in a residential environment.??

"The views of young people in care were taken into consideration when designing the house, and one of the things they wanted was something that looked like a real house with a garden that would blend in with other neighbouring properties.??"

The minister continued: "The children and young people living in the house will be encouraged to take part in every day household tasks such as laundry, preparation of meals and shopping, and they'll attend school and participate in local activities, like youth groups."

??"This investment will help ensure that the trust continues delivering modern, safe and high quality services to meet the needs of the community," the minister added.

??Glenn Houston, Director of Children's Services for the Northern Trust, said: "This facility has been in the planning stage for a number of years and the minister's presence here today underlines the importance of the project." ??

"In about a year's time we will be opening a brand new and much needed residential facility for children from the greater Antrim area. I hope the minister will be able to come back and see for himself the finished product."

There are five other similar facilities in the Northern Trust area based in Ballymena, Portrush, Magherafelt, Carrickfergus, and Larne.