Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her comments. Is there any capital aspect to the €50 million given to the project to date? Was it designated mainly for the demolition of unfit houses?

I acknowledge the resources put into policing, education and social work with great community activists working in the areas. However, it has only been demolition to date with no construction of new housing units. People need to see the building projects begin.

This year, the Government has provided capital funding for regeneration projects in Moyross and Ballinacurra Weston. However, my main concern, and that of many people in Limerick, is that unless the master plan is agreed, there will be no firm commitment on works projects for the following years. As these are meant to be done incrementally over the next ten to 15 years, we want the Government to commit to the whole project over this time.

I welcome the Minister's decision to take on board tax incentives for the regeneration areas on foot of the submission to be made by the regeneration agencies at the end of March. Will the Government approve the overall master plan when it receives the first phase implementation plan?

See this speech in context