Confusion reigns over regeneration programme

THE Limerick regeneration programme — to transform blackspot estates such as Moyross, Southill, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston — remains in confusion due to inadequate government funding, it was claimed yesterday.

The head of the regeneration agency, Brendan Kenny, conceded €25 million, allocated this week, will not enable the provision of any new projects in designated areas.

“We have to welcome the €25m in light of the economic climate but, if we want to move to the next level, we need more than that. It will not allow us do anything new — we will remain demolishing houses and purchasing houses through the local authority. But it will not allow us move on to the next phase of building houses and we feel the time is right to do this. The communities are putting on pressure to have this done.”