Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Heritage and Local Government the status of all committed housing regeneration projects; amount funding promised in 2010; and way this compares to 2007, 2008 2009; if he will make a statement on matter. [30805/10]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his response. On 25 May, the Irish Human Rights Commission and the media heard evidence from the residents of Dolphin House flats on the deplorable living conditions the residents must endure. Dr. Maurice Manning stated the rights of the residents under the UN Declaration of Human Rights, to which Ireland is a signatory, are infringed. What will the Minister of State do about Dolphin House to sort out the problems of the complex?

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy did not submit a question on Dolphin House so I do not have further information. It is initially a matter for Dublin City Council but I will contact the council for an update on the situation at Dolphin House and I will provide it to Deputy Flanagan. If I had notice of this matter, I would have more information for him.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Has the Minister of State visited Dolphin House? The Minister of State did not mention the Limerick regeneration project. Can the Minister of State provide information on this?

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I referred to the Limerick regeneration project. Two weeks ago, the Taoiseach and I attended the launch of the €337 million project. The event received widespread coverage. I also referred to the Glen in Cork. I have not visited Dolphin House. I have visited many of the regeneration project locations, including Ballymun, and I will visit Tralee next week.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister of State given an undertaking to visit Dolphin House in light of the comments made by the Irish Human Rights Commission?

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I will ask Dublin City Council for an update. This is the responsibility of Dublin City Council.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister of State not funding Dublin City Council?

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, but at this point there may not be an application from Dublin City Council in respect of Dolphin House. I do not want to put something incorrect on the record. I will provide a report to Deputy Terence Flanagan without the need for a further question.