THE REGENERATION of Limerick is not an optional extra. Unless the Government provides additional funding for the most socially deprived parts of the city, the progress made in rolling back high incidences of crime and anti-social behaviour will be lost, along with the hopes and aspirations of thousands of young people and their families. Not only that, in years to come the State will be faced with far more difficult, intractable and expensive social problems. A stark choice faces Ministers between doing what is right or turning their backs on communities that were failed so dismally in the past.
Poor and under-privileged citizens have always suffered the most during economic downturns. But, in recent budgets, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has advocated the cause of fairness. Moyross, Southill, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston estates represent classic examples of what happens to urban communities when high unemployment, official neglect, crime and social decay are allowed to run their course. The quality of life there should shame us all.
Two years ago, President McAleese went to Limerick to launch the most important community development and physical refurbishment programme undertaken in this State. In response to growing lawlessness and a proliferation of drug-related crime, the Government finally sanctioned a physical redevelopment programme, linked to intensive policing and the provision of joined-up community and social services. The appointment of an extra 100 gardaí saw crime levels fall and the jailing of prominent, family-based gang leaders. Anti-social activity declined; a new youth centre was built at Southill and voluntary and State agencies began to co-operate in tackling social, educational and health problems. But a deepening recession brought cuts in Government funding for construction and refurbishment.
An allocation of €25 million a year cannot meet the demands of the situation. Some 500 burnt-out or derelict houses have been demolished by Limerick Regeneration. Some 150 remain. But not a single new home will be completed this year. That is sending the wrong message to a community that has been starved of hope for decades and is now drifting back towards disillusionment. This project is not about demolition. It is about reconstruction. And the responsible Cabinet sub-committee must find the cash to build new homes.
Minister Willie O’Dea signalled last week that costs of €1.7 billion cannot now be afforded by Government. That is a cop-out. Such a large sum was always going to be spread over many years. Money is, however, urgently required for a new community centre at Moyross, along with healthcare and education facilities, and a through road. Local confidence must be promoted by new housing starts. And if the private sector can be encouraged to participate through a system of tax incentives, so much the better. A plan involving these projects will go to Cabinet for consideration next month. The future of Limerick as a civilised, socially inclusive city is in the balance.