Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16557/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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My Department continues to provide strong support for the regeneration project across Limerick City, through ongoing liaison with the Limerick Northside and Southside Regeneration Agencies and with the local authorities in the area. Since their establishment in June 2007 the Regeneration Agencies have delivered two regeneration vision plans, developed a strong framework for inter-agency working, and provided a flexible regeneration programme that proposes a road map for a new Limerick over the next decade. This programme is currently the subject of consultation with the various stakeholders and will require significant investment of time and resources from public and private stakeholders over the period of implementation for the project.

While such planning activity is critical for the delivery of successful regeneration of disadvantaged areas, the Agencies have also achieved a number "quick wins" for the community through investment in social and physical infrastructure for the areas. In 2008 alone, 29 CCTV cameras were installed across the regeneration areas, funding was provided for community advocacy services in each of the regeneration areas, support was given for after school and school completion projects in Ballinacurra Weston and Southill, and recreational facilities in Moyross.

The City Council has also undertaken significant works to facilitate and support the regeneration process, concentrating mainly on the physical aspects of the regeneration. In 2008 alone, the Council demolished 113 units and supported the relocation of some 110 households to other areas within the Council area to facilitate enabling works on key sites. In addition, support was provided for the continuation of the successful community wardens project as well as for local community employment schemes to clean up and improve the areas.

Within the overall funding available to my Department for the provision and improvement of social housing for 2009, I intend to increase the level of support to ensure that the Limerick regeneration project continues to progress. The 2009 allocation is currently being finalised, within the context of the overall national regeneration programme and the revised estimates process. However, it is expected that the regeneration programme for the year will deliver the following: The further demolition of 150 houses; Planning on two sheltered housing schemes; Delivery of key actions under Environmental Improvement Plans for the areas; Implementation of a regeneration relocation programme; Energy efficiency improvements in houses not marked for demolition; Investment in social inclusion activities i.e. community wardens, advocacy service, homework clubs; Ongoing operation of the Regeneration Agencies; Funding for an enterprise initiative.