Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2012
31 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the Knocknaheeny regeneration project, Cork; and the steps being taken to ensure its is completed within this timeframe. [5921/12]
View answerMy Department provided funding of €12.2 million to Cork City Council in 2011 for the delivery of two major regeneration projects at Knocknaheeny and the Glen. A major focus of the regeneration programme in 2011 was the completion of the review of the Knocknaheeny regeneration master plan. This revised plan, now covering a wider area including Hollyhill, recently received support from both the City Council and the community and represents a significant step forward for the regeneration of the area.
The revised master plan presents a much broader view, beyond a simple upgrading of the housing stock, to address the underlying issues of social exclusion and socio-economic disadvantage. This plan builds on the foundations of previous initiatives, including the redevelopment of Knocknaheeny Block D which delivered 78 refurbished dwellings, 42 new housing units and the well-known "drum" community centre.
I intend to make sufficient funding available under the 2012 allocations to enable real progress to be made in implementing the revised plan. My Department will liaise closely with Cork City Council in the context of determining the work programme for 2012 and the associated necessary capital allocations, within the wider National Regeneration Programme. At this stage, it seems likely that the programme will deliver the first relocations to facilitate demolition, public realm upgrades including addressing areas of anti-social behaviour, and significant investment in social regeneration activities including improvements to McSwiney Hall. My Department will also be supporting the delivery of the Glen Phase II new housing project.
