Limerick’s regenerated homes to remain unoccupied until 2012

THE chief executive of the Limerick Regeneration Agency said yesterday he did not expect any families to occupy newly-built homes in the designated areas until 2012.

Brendan Kenny’s comments came as Department of Environment figures confirmed midwest local authorities have yet to spend 31% — €4.4 million — of the €14.15m allocated this year for the relocation of families to facilitate the regeneration.

The figures provided by Minister John Gormley to Deputy Jan O’Sullivan (Lab) show Limerick City Council has yet to spend 38.6% of €4.3m of its €10.1m allocation. Clare County Council had, so far, spent €350,000 of a €500,000 allocation, while Limerick County Council had marginally overspent on its allocation of €3.5m.