THE total cost of implementing the first phase of the Limerick Regeneration Programme is almost €337 million. An estimated 4,000 jobs will come on stream. A total of 25 build projects is earmarked over five years.
Replacement housing development in Moyross will cost €17milion, in Southill, €30 million, in Ballinacurra Weston, almost €7 million and in St Mary’s Park, almost €12million.
In addition a clustering of schools in St Mary’s Park will cost €5.65million.
A health and community development will be built in Ballinacurra Weston at a cost of €13million.
Houses in Moyross, including Delmage Park, Craeval Park, Sarsfield Gardens, Castle Park and Pineview Gardens will be demolished.
Phase One of the programme will include the demolition of some 50% of the houses in Kincora Park and Carew Park, with refurbishment of the remainder.
There will be a delayed period before the demolition and rebuilding of houses in Ballinacurra Weston and St Mary’s Park.
Over 200 jobs will be created by the development of the Coonagh-Knockalisheen distributor road, replacement housing in Southill will yield 378 jobs, 186 jobs to build a sheltered housing development at Lord Edward Street and 111 jobs from the refurbishment of Moyross houses.
Despite some scepticism voiced by Cllr Pat Kennedy that the regeneration programme is now phased over a 15 year period rather than the 10 year period initially stated, Mr
Brendan Kenny, CEO, said he is fairly optimistic that the time frame will be closer to 10 years than 15.
Cllr Kevin Kiely said the issue of anti-social activity, “though better, due to the co-operation between the agencies and good work from the enforcement officers,” there is still concern that the council is not securing many exclusion orders.
“We should write to the Minister for Justice to set up a special court in Limerick to deal with this. I know we now have a second judge but it’s still being said that we can’t get orders against those behind anti social crime – if a decision goes against them they go to the higher courts, even over a period of three to four years.
Reminding the meeting that the Rosbrien Interchange and direct access to Carew Park had caused major anger, Cllr Ger Fahy said it is imperative to restore direct access to the city.
“A link road leading up to the Roxboro Roundabout would support regeneration- preferred option would be by the Maldron Hotel.
