Report to pave way for regeneration of estates

THE Limerick Regeneration Agency is finalising a report which should pave the way for housebuilding to start in four of the city’s estates.

The Government has given the agency a late March deadline to submit detailed, costed building proposals.

Brendan Kenny, chief executive of the regeneration agency, said: “We are putting all our energies at present into this report, which we have to give to Government by March 31.

“It is then back to Government and the Cabinet to give a response and we are hopeful as the vibes are positive.”

While up to 400 houses have been demolished in Southill, Moyross, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston, no work has started on housebuilding in the four estates.

This has led to a lot of anger and claims that the regeneration plan is doomed.

Mr Kenny said the plan contains a range of proposals, which include the construction of social community centres as well as housing. He said they will also be seeking to have some of the regeneration estates given special tax incentives to encourage companies to move there.

Mr Kenny said: “If the Government gives us the extra funding we need, it will enable us to kickstart building.

“When people see houses and buildings going up that should change attitudes as there is a lot of negativity out there with people not seeing much happening.”

The Government has given the regeneration agency €50 million over the past two years.

The entire 10-year proposal has a price tag in excess of €3 billion, of which the state has pledged to contribute €1.7bn.

It was envisaged the private sector would invest another €1.4bn. Former defence minister Willie O’Dea claimed he had been in contact with private investors who saw business potential by getting involved in the regeneration programme.