Ms Ritchie visited a £6 million social housing development in Canal Street.
The development of 44 houses by South Ulster Housing Association was funded by £4.5 million grant aid from the Department for Social Development.
The Minister said: "This is wonderful news for the regeneration of Newry City centre. Housing plays a major role in unlocking wider physical development and new homes mean a new vitality for the area.
"I have set challenging targets for social housing new builds over the coming years and to achieve these will require commitment, imagination and innovation.
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"I have ensured that the houses have all been built to the highest standard and are energy efficient with the use of solar panels in their construction.
"I am pleased that we are at the forefront in promoting new technologies that will assist our tenants at a time of real cost-of-living pressure."
While in Newry Minister Ritchie also officially opened the new Canal Street environmental improvement scheme.
The £1m scheme includes improvements to footpaths, street furniture, lighting and the installation of new railings in the Canal Street/Canal Quay area.
The Minister later opened the Greater Linenhall Community House, following improvements to the premises.
The work involved the provision of additional floor space, toilet facilities, kitchen facilities, storage space and a new heating system including an energy efficient solar panel.
The benefits to the current occupiers, the Greater Linenhall Area Community Association, will include a larger space to support daily activities and training courses; improved access for people of all abilities and an opportunity to attract more community based services to be delivered from the facility.
(PR/JM)
