Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
84. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans with respect for continued funding for the Limerick Regeneration Economic and Social Intervention Fund 2023 to be extended to 2024 and beyond. [33175/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) sets out a programme of physical, social and economic interventions over a ten-year period from 2014-2023.
Under the LRFIP, my Department provides funding for social regeneration activities, through the Economic and Social Intervention Fund (ESIF), for the duration of each regeneration project as it is understood that regeneration goes beyond mere bricks and mortar. The ESIF is an integral part of the overall approach to regeneration, and it helps to leverage additional mainstream funding for the benefit of the relevant areas.
As the Limerick agreed programme concludes in 2023, I have asked Limerick City and County Council to develop a strategy for the future funding of these important initiatives, so that the benefits of regeneration can be built upon and carried on into the years ahead post 2023. This process involves the local authorities identifying appropriate alternative funding streams that would support the services in the future.
Furthermore, the Council is currently working with KPMG and their sub consultants O’Mahony Pike Architects and Tobin Engineers, on a Status Update for Limerick Regeneration. The resulting report on the Status Update will assess the current position and provide strategic master plan options, targets and recommendations for the post 2023 period, out to 2030. The process is well advanced and I am advised that the report will be completed shortly. Until a strategy is agreed, it would be premature to decide what form any future supports will take.
