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

Those are questions we can come back to the Senator on. Certainly, all parties were aware of the end date of 2023. It was critical for future planning that Limerick City and County Council would begin the process of engagement and consultation around the continuum of support for the very valuable initiatives the Senator has spoken about, notwithstanding the fact there are staff affected by this. Our Department has allocated €50 million from the 2024 Vote to fund the national regeneration programme, which includes the economic and social intervention fund. The fund is there, and it is very important that Limerick City and County Council brings forward these plans. We are reaching the end of 2023. It is important that the council submits its plans to the Department. If there is any additional support or information that the Senator requires, we can pass that on to him through the Department in the context of what is required. However, it is critical that the local authority brings forward those proposals as soon as possible.