O’Sullivan: Limerick regeneration is a priority

Housing minister Jan O’Sullivan yesterday insisted the driving forward of the Limerick Regeneration programme was a priority for her and the Government.

She said weekend comments by Fr Tony O’Riordan were ill-informed. The Moyross parish priest had warned of “dangerous consequences” if the Government continued to neglect the regeneration project, aimed at four deprived housing estates in the city.

Fr O’Riordan, in his homily, called on Ms O’Sullivan to ask officials in her department why, after almost a year-and-a-half since new targets were set, there was still no movement.

A major overhaul of the original plan, launched in Oct 2008, was ordered by environment minister Phil Hogan in Jan 2012 after the Irish Examiner revealed not a single house had been built.

Replying to Fr O’Riordan, Ms O’Sullivan said: “Work on an implementation plan for the regeneration areas is nearing completion and I expect the plan to be published in the coming weeks... I am confident that the publication of the plan will provide the citizens of Limerick with a clear vision on how our community will develop in the coming years.”

Ms O’Sullivan claimed any ill-informed talk of a lack of urgency or commitment was wide of the mark.

“In 2013, I ensured a budget allocation of €27m for Limerick Regeneration... That funding commitment followed on from a significant reorganisation of the regeneration project which has seen a welcome focus now on physical construction and community enhancement.”