Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Under the social pillar of the Limerick regeneration framework implementation plan, we have what is called the economic and social intervention fund. While the Limerick regeneration plan has been a disappointment in many aspects since its launch in 2009, the social intervention fund has had a highly positive impact on many families, people, communities and projects across the city. It has changed and saved lives; that is how important it is. A total of 180 projects receive financial support from this fund and support social economic and community development projects, especially in the poor areas of Moyross, St. Mary's Park, South Hill and Ballinacurra Weston. These include the Bedford Row Family Project, Limerick Youth Service and Limerick Island Community Partners serving the King's Island area. It supports the Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre, and Moyross groups like Extern and the area's community enterprise centre. It also benefits St. Munchin's Community Enterprise Centre.

The fund is due to end at the end of 2023. Failure to retain the fund will have catastrophic impacts and undo the years of good work in many of our communities and many people are extremely concerned. Can the Taoiseach confirm Government support to ensure the fund is extended into 2024 and beyond?

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