The Programme for a Partnership Government, published in May 2016, sets out the ambitious priority attached to urban regeneration by the Government, incorporating a series of specific actions, aimed at facilitating the regeneration of our urban centres, many of which have been adversely impacted by our recent economic difficulties. The Government’s Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland, published in July 2016, further reinforces the Government’s commitment to the area of urban regeneration.
In this context, a Working Group, which I chair and which comprises senior representatives from my Department, local authorities and other relevant bodies, has been established and will bring forward proposals for new urban regeneration measures as early as possible. It is intended that the new measures will complement the existing regeneration programme under my own Department’s Social Housing Capital Programme, as well as other social regeneration initiatives already under way.
The Working Group will seek to deliver a new urban renewal scheme to regenerate central urban areas in our cities and towns, which will address urban decay and associated issues relating to social housing, poverty, segregation, unemployment, crime, anti-social behaviour, etc. The Group aims to bring forward proposals for consideration by the end of the year.
In the context of the priority being attached to urban regeneration by the current Government, I will be aiming to identify scope for increased funding for a range of measures that will address deep-rooted disadvantage, while simultaneously developing an approach to urban regeneration that empowers people to work together to improve their communities, to reduce poverty, disadvantage and inequality. It is intended that these new measures will also include strengthening the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) as well as re-activating funding to areas covered by the RAPID (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development) Programme through the local authorities.
Having held its inaugural meeting in mid-June, the Working Group has met on three occasions and is due to meet again in the coming weeks to consider emerging proposals.
