Regeneration starts in blighted Limerick estate

A COUNCIL estate built in the 1930s yesterday became part of the Limerick regeneration programme when work commenced on the demolition of vandalised houses that have been boarded up.

Up to 20 houses in St Mary’s Park will be levelled in coming months. The estate is to be completely rebuilt as part of the €3 billion regeneration plan drawn up for run-down parts of the city over the next 10 years.

Mayor John Gilligan welcomed the demolition of the vandalised houses which, he said, had become a gathering spot for groups involved in antisocial behaviour and fly dumping.

Mr Gilligan, a member of the regeneration board, said: “This demolition work is a major symbol and it proves that we are serious about the regeneration of St Mary’s Park because people living in the area were looking at Moyross and Southill and wondering if they were third in line. But this proves that is not the case. There will be more houses knocked between now and Christmas and next year we will start building houses in St Mary’s Park.”

Regeneration project manager, Brian Geany, said the commencement of demolition work yesterday was a very important step.

He said: “We have already introduced a number of initiatives to improve the quality of life for people living in St Mary’s Park, but this brings it to the next level, and it really demonstrates to the local community that we are on track and that regeneration is progressing.”

Up to 150 derelict and vandalised houses in Moyross and Southill have already been levelled by the two regeneration agencies who are overseeing the huge plan for the north and south side of Limerick.