Firebomb victims will not return to estate

AS work commenced yesterday on the first houses to be built under Limerick’s troubled regeneration programme, the mother who was at the centre of a firebomb outrage which forced government action in Limerick’s crime black spots, welcomed the new beginning.

Shiela Murray’s children, Millie 11, and Gavin 8, received horrific burns when a firebomb was flung into the family car in September 2006.

Mother of eight Sheila said yesterday: “It’s about time work on new houses began. It has taken long enough for them to start building. I am very happy for the elderly people who will be given apartments in the new development.”

However, Ms Murray ruled out any return to a regenerated Moyross: “It has too many sad memories for me.” Her old home at Pineview Gardens has been demolished.

The firebomb attack was carried out as she stopped off at a neighbours house as she set out for a Sunday drive with her children.

Public outrage forced the government to embark on a huge regeneration programme for Moyross, Southill, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston.

The first development, which commenced yesterday in Cliona Park will consist of 33 units, made up of apartments and houses at a total cost of €5 million.

Elderly residents will be moved to the new apartments.

Up to 100 workers will be employed during the construction.

The Regeneration programme has fallen two years behind schedule.

Due to the economic collapse, the only work to date in the four Regeneration estates, has involved in the demolition of more than 700 derelict houses.

The Regeneration Agency has been helping a wide variety of community and sporting groups .

Most of the houses which have been demolished were in Moyross and Southill.