O’Dea reassurance on regeneration funding

DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea has moved to reassure the Limerick regeneration agencies that necessary funding, promised this year, will be given by the Government.

The agencies were told earlier this month that they would be receiving €28 million in 2009.

However, Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Michael Finneran, on a visit to Limerick earlier this week, said no figure had been decided on. He also indicated a final allocation for regeneration projects would not be determined until mid-April.

Talking to the media yesterday in Limerick, Mr O’Dea said: “My understanding is that the figure will be e28m. The figures have to be finalised yet and we are in the process of doing that. You can rest assured I will see to it at Cabinet level that the position, of funding of Limerick regeneration, is well presented.”

Pressed if this meant an allocation this year of e28m, he said: “That is my aim, that is my objective — that is my understanding.”

Questioned about large sums being paid to top management at the Health Service Executive, Mr O’Dea said he had only become aware of these salaries through media reports yesterday and did not wish to comment on them.

He added: “We are looking at a situation where there is a financial emergency in the country. Everything will be looked at from top to bottom; everybody has to play their part in getting the country through this difficult economic period.

“We have to look at everything across the board. Nothing is exempt — but that does not mean we are going to do anything regards old age pensioners.”