Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that the Limerick regeneration project is fast-tracked and housing is provided as soon as possible. [5920/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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This Government remains committed to the regeneration of the estates and communities in our most disadvantaged areas. Despite the current adverse economic conditions and consequent Exchequer constraints, we continue to prioritise funding for regeneration within the overall social housing programme. Last year alone my Department provided €118 million for regeneration, representing 25% of the total housing capital investment programme. Of this, €55 million was invested in Limerick with a significant amount of this being expended on essential strategic and preparatory work, including the purchase of strategic sites in the city centre and elsewhere, to allow progress towards the critical construction phase.

Over the course of 2011, the regeneration programme largely transitioned from the planning and early interventions phase to construction and implementation. This work will continue in 2012. My Department envisages more than 100 new housing units commencing construction in the current year with many more being progressed through the various stages of planning. In addition, I have directed the Regeneration Agencies and the City Council to prepare plans for improving the existing housing which is suitable for retention within the estates. It is important to note that all projects and interventions receiving support from my Department must be based on a thorough and sound analysis of the needs of the community. To this end, the Agencies, with the Council, are currently finalising robust, evidence-based implementation plans which will provide greater clarity and a road map for the implementation of projects over the coming years.

The merger of the two local authorities presents a further opportunity to build on the foundations already laid by ensuring that regeneration takes a central role in the programme of the new unitary authority. I will be visiting the regeneration areas tomorrow where I intend to set out my vision for the future of regeneration in Limerick. I am confident that this will meet with the support of all stakeholders and help accelerate the long awaited and much-needed implementation phase of the regeneration project.