Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Early in 2010, in response to Question No. 43 of 21 January, I set out details of the ambitious multi-annual housing regeneration programme I am pursuing and the status of housing regeneration projects under way in Ballymun, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Dundalk, Sligo and Tralee. I have since announced a 2010 regeneration programme allocation of €126.795 million, compared to expenditure of €107.134 million in 2009, €126.479 million in 2008 and €94.129 million in 2007. The 2010 regeneration allocation represents an increase of almost €20 million on 2009.

Significant progress has since been made on a range of regeneration projects. In particular, the Government has launched the phase 1 implementation plan of the Limerick regeneration programme, involving the delivery of 26 new projects worth €337 million over the next four and a half years. I have committed to providing an additional €160 million for the housing projects alone, including an extra €10 million on top of the initial allocation of €25 million for works in 2010.

Approvals were issued for the acceptance of tenders for Shangan 5A, 5B and Coultry 6 projects in Ballymun, valued at €21 million, and for construction of the Glen, phase 2, in Cork city, valued at €15 million. In addition, pre-tender approvals have issued for the Mitchel's regeneration project in Tralee, valued at €10.6 million. Against a backdrop of pressure on public expenditure generally, these significant commitments demonstrate the Government's determination to proceed as rapidly as possible with the overall regeneration programme.

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