Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 12 together.

My Department supports an ambitious programme of regeneration projects to deliver integrated physical, social and economic regeneration, ranging from large-scale urban regeneration projects such as those in Ballymun and Limerick city to smaller estate-wide projects in Dublin city and in a number of regional towns around the country. Ensuring this programme is adequately resourced remains a key element of the Government's housing policy for next year and beyond.

Our commitment is reflected in the priority given to funding for regeneration despite the adverse economic conditions and Exchequer constraints. Funding of up to €124.6 million has been made available this year for the programme, a substantial sum which accounts for 25% of the overall capital investment under the housing programme for 2012. Of this, some €101 million is being directed towards the regeneration programmes in Ballymun, Limerick and Dublin city.

In terms of funding for next year, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, announced details last week of the public capital programme for 2012. It is my intention to ensure that a sufficient amount of funding for my Department's social housing investment programme is made available in 2012 to deliver real progress in the case of each of these projects, having regard to their particular stage of development and in the context of the wider programme. My Department is currently liaising closely with relevant local authorities and agencies in determining the regeneration work programme for 2012. I intend to announce details of the capital allocations under the housing programme, including the allocations for regeneration, as soon as possible after the Estimates process has been concluded.

For next year, I am particularly anxious to ensure that significant progress is made in accelerating the regeneration programme in Limerick, meeting the remaining housing need in Ballymun and addressing the most pressing housing deficits of the former public private partnership, PPP, regeneration projects in Dublin.

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