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

My Department currently supports a programme of large-scale regeneration projects in Limerick, Dublin and Cork and smaller projects in Tralee, Sligo and Dundalk. These regeneration projects target the country's most disadvantaged communities and seek to address the causes of disadvantage in these communities through an holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration.

As the Senator is keenly aware, the Limerick regeneration framework implementation plan, LRFIP, was adopted by the then Limerick City Council in February 2014. This plan set out a programme of physical, social and economic interventions over a ten-year period from 2014 to 2023. The plan is now in its final year. A key element of the LRFIP to date has been the economic and social intervention fund, ESIF, and approximately €4 million per annum over the past ten years has been made available from my Department. This fund supports a range of social and economic initiatives to strengthen the local communities in the target areas of Moyross, Ballinacurra Weston, St. Mary's Park and Southill. This fund is an integral part of the overall approach to regeneration and helps to leverage additional mainstream funding for the benefit of the areas.

Limerick City and County Council is responsible for the operation of the programme. Projects proposed for funding are selected through an open process reviewed by an independent assessment committee whose recommendations are sent to my Department for confirmation of funding. The council also operates an appeals process for unsuccessful applicants. A review completed in 2016 of the LRFIP showed that the social interventions in the Limerick regeneration areas had a positive effect on the communities. I think the Senator pointed this out in his opening remarks. Investment in this area has focused on school services, community centres, family support, youth work, improving the health and well-being and quality of life of residents, improving the social environment and safety on the estates, and access to further education, training and work.

As the Limerick agreed programme concludes in 2023, my Department has asked Limerick City and County Council to develop a strategy for the future funding of these important initiatives. This is to ensure the benefits of regeneration can be built upon and carried on into the years ahead. My Department has agreed to continue funding of the ESIF for 2024 and has requested Limerick City and County Council to submit proposals for review. The Senator can rest assured my Department remains committed to working with the council to sustain the benefits being achieved through the implementation of projects under the regeneration programme. This offers a positive way forward for Limerick City and County Council. It is important the proposals it will bring forward for 2024 are submitted to our Department for review. It is critically important for the continuum of these programmes and projects. The Senator spoke about staff members being at risk. It is critically important the local authority is proactive and brings forward proposals for review by my Department.