Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I am aware of most of these developments, particularly the projects in Ballymun. I am concerned at what is happening in Limerick, where there has been little progress in terms of housing units delivered. A great deal of preparatory work has been done, but the delivery has not been substantial. Knocknaheeny in Cork is another area which has been considered for regeneration. These are very deprived areas which are in great need of investment and redevelopment.

The Minister indicated that only one PPP project is under way. Is the Government still pursuing a partnership approach or is it instead proceeding on the basis that capital investment in this area will not be made in conjunction with private input? I did not receive a direct answer from the Minister to that question. A multidisciplinary task force on housing was set up some time ago to examine all of this. Has that group produced a full report in terms of what is likely to be delivered, the timeframes involved and the benefits to the communities in question?

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