Regeneration work to improve two of Limerick city's most socially and economically deprived areas will begin today.
Two agencies, established by the Department of the Environment, will open their doors in the Moyross and Southill areas of the city in an attempt to revitalise the estates, which have become associated with much of Limerick's feuding and drugs-related crime.
Assistant Dublin city manager Brendan Kenny, the chief executive officer of the two agencies, will oversee the demolition and rebuilding of many derelict houses in the area.
The move follows recommendations produced in a report into crime, social exclusion and economic problems commissioned by the Government last November.
Former Dublin City manager John Fitzgerald led the report, which found that tackling crime, creating employment and improving housing conditions were "critical" to the revitalisation of Moyross and Southill.
Mr Fitzgerald said the two areas were among the most deprived in the country, with unemployment at five times the national average. He called for the demolition of at least 1,000 houses in the two estates.
Mr Kenny has said he would like to see the rebuilding of dozens of smaller estates with shops and community facilities and intends to encourage greater private ownership.
Consultation with local communities is set to begin later this week in an attempt to garner local support for the work.