IT is late in the day for any member of Fianna Fail to criticise the progress of the regeneration process, says Junior Minister, Jan O’Sullivan.
She was reacting to a report in last week’s Limerick Post in which Deputy Willie O’Dea called for an update on developments for people living in the city’s four regeneration areas who “feel as though they are in no man’s land”. Minister of State O’Sullivan told this reporter that Deputy O’Dea should have spoken up while Fianna Fail were still in power.
“It’s a bit rich of Willie to be focusing on regeneration now.
“When Fianna Fail were in government the residents were supposed to be moving out, but little happened.
“Since the new government was instated, much more has happened.
“Willie Penrose (former Minister of State at the Department of the Environment) has been to Limerick and visited people in the affected areas and oversaw developments made.
“The Cliona Park scheme has moved forward as has the Lord Edward Street project, housing for older people in Southill and facilities in St. Mary’s Park”.
The deputy said she understood people’s concerns, but believes that the project is progressing, though at a slower pace.
“Everything in the report was accurate, but its a bit late in the day for Willie O’Dea to say we need progress.
“Some people want to move and I have the greatest sympathy with the people living in blocks of empty houses, with no sense of security, and who fear for the future of schools because children are moving away.
“However, I feel very strongly that the focus needs to be on building the existing communities and facilities.
“I’ve been keeping in regular contact with people living in the areas.
“I do agree that people in the communities are concerned and need to know exactly what happens next”.
