Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy wholeheartedly. The community development and regeneration aspects have to go hand in hand with redevelopment projects. The Department is working closely with all local authorities on increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports. It is fully committed to working with Dublin City Council on progressing the regeneration proposals in the inner city. The Department has worked consistently with the council in support of the latter's efforts to advance proposals under the regeneration programme and we will continue to do so.

As evidenced by the Department's commitment to supporting public housing in inner city Dublin, funding in excess of €450 million has been approved for social housing programmes, with approximately 20 projects delivering in excess of 1,225 social housing units in such inner city projects as North King Street, Bonham Street, Sackville Avenue, Cork Street, Infirmary Road, Matt Talbot Court and Constitution Hill. It eagerly awaits submissions from Dublin City Council on a variety of new projects, including St. Andrew's Court, Dunne Street and the next phases of the redevelopment at St. Teresa's Gardens. In terms of Pearse House, following completion of the engagement process with local councillors and the local community, it is a matter for Dublin City Council to advance the project accordingly and to submit the proposal to the Department for consideration.

It is important that what we have discussed form part and parcel of our approach to town centres. We want families living in vibrant, sustainable communities in inner city Dublin because that is at the heart of Dublin and in Dublin's future. As such, it is vital that we get this right. I welcome the Deputy's contribution in that regard.

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