Tenders sought for first housing regeneration development in Limerick

THE stalled Limerick Regeneration Programme yesterday made its first major advance towards the construction of new houses.

Up to now the two regeneration agencies set up in 2007 have been involved in the demolition of more than 100 derelict and vandalised houses in Southill, Moyross, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston.

The Northside Regeneration Agency, which is overseeing the Moyross and St Mary’s Park element of the project, yesterday put out tenders for new housing at Cliona Park, Moyross.

This project will involve 13 two- and three-bedroom houses, and 20 one-room apartments. The apartments will be allocated to elderly residents. Building work is expected to start in April with completion set for September 2012.

The development is the first of 26 projects, with total investment of €337m, which will be delivered under phase one of the Limerick Regeneration Programme over the next four and a half years. Approval and funding for these projects were committed by government last year and have remained unaffected by recent budget cuts.

Brendan Kenny, chief executive of the Northside and Southside Regeneration Agencies said: “This is a key milestone, not alone for the people who will live in this new development or for the greater Moyross area but, indeed, for all the Limerick Regeneration areas.

“The development itself will be a strong illustration of how people of all ages will ultimately benefit from regeneration as it comprises housing for families as well as courtyard style, secure accommodation for the elderly.”

Deirdre Bond, chairwoman of Moyross Residents Forum, said the announcement that the project has gone to tender is a huge boost for local confidence in the regeneration project.

Ms Bond said: “People can now finally see for themselves that development is taking place. The Cliona Park project is a new beginning for Moyross and for the other regeneration areas. So many people have spent a huge amount of time planning for this and other projects and we are all looking forward to seeing construction begin and, indeed, to the day when the first people move into their new homes.”

Mr Kenny said the start of construction at Moyross gives renewed hope for residents in Moyross, Southill, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston. “We will work very closely with Limerick City Council as the housing authority who will manage the new development following completion and also with residents in Moyross and adjoining areas to ensure that this first regeneration housing project is very well managed and sustainable long into the future,” he said.