David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 7, line 40 and in page 8, line 1 to delete paragraphs (f) and (g).

This amendment concerns the dissolution of the Limerick regeneration agencies for the north and south sides of the city. I am sure the Minister of State will be aware that many people in regeneration areas have genuine fears about the future of the process, not just in Limerick but in many parts of Dublin where regeneration was also promised. In order to allay such fears the Government should clearly spell out what it intends to do for the future of regeneration, including what will happen in Limerick, Dublin, Cork and Waterford where they are still waiting for regeneration schemes.

I understand that this measure specifically deals with the Limerick regeneration boards. There is a need to set out clear targets and timeframes for the completion of an ambitious building programme. It should be part of a stimulus package. There is much talk of the need for investment at the moment and a growth agenda, as well as using State funds whether from the National Pensions Reserve Fund, selling off State assets or using money from NAMA.

I agreed with the Labour Party's election manifesto pledge for a national retrofit programme to generate jobs. I fail to see, however, how that sits with abolishing these boards and the consequences that may have for regeneration programmes. Will regeneration remain as a stand alone programme within a local government structure or will it be totally subsumed to the extent that its focus will be blurred because of the Government's many pressing priorities?

In my speech on Second Stage yesterday, I mentioned that when the Limerick regeneration plan was first announced it was done with great fanfare. Yet we have seen 1,000 houses knocked and only 34 houses built. I assume that since the Minister of State is from Limerick herself, she is concerned about the slow pace of progress on these regeneration schemes. Perhaps she can indicate for us the logic of disbanding these boards and what exactly the Government intends to do to ensure that the promised regeneration schemes, which were necessary for Limerick's social integration, will go ahead. The Government should also ensure that people will not be left behind in this respect. I assume the Minister of State agrees that there is a lot of fear and concern in the directly affected communities about how all of this will play out. Is regeneration going to happen and, if so, at what pace and what is the timeframe? This amendment is about our concerns for the regeneration process. I await the Minister of State's response.