Limerick’s Regeneration Project finally delivered yesterday when 34 residents got keys to new homes in the €4.6 million development in Moyross.
It is almost six years since the regeneration process, which has already cost in excess of €100 million, was established to help tackle social issues in some of Limerick’s most deprived housing estates.
Delighted residents selected for the mix of 34 apartments and houses at the Cliona Park, Moyross development were presented with the keys by Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan.
The development comprises 13 three-bedroomed houses and a courtyard sheltered development of 21 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The project started in autumn 2011 and was completed late last year within budget at a cost of €4.6 million.
Absolutely delighted
Josephine Loughlin O’Farrell (85) has lived in Dalglish Park, Moyross for the past 29 years and was one of the oldest residents to get keys.
“I was one of the first to put my name down for a home when I was 81. It is a lovely downstairs two-bedroomed apartment. I am absolutely delighted with it and am getting great help from everyone here with it,” she said.
Brendan Hart was looking forward to moving into his new three-bedroomed house in Cliona Park. “We have six daughters so it’s a busy house. And you can imagine one bathroom with six girls!” he said.
Single mother Marian O’Callaghan also got keys to her new home yesterday. The 26-year-old mother of three has been living in Pineview Gardens in Moyross for the past four years with her children, Jeffrey (6), Katelyn (4) and eight-month-old Arianna. “I had no heating in my last house which was really difficult especially for the children. We barely survived the winter,” she said.
Pivotal moment
Ms O’Sullivan said that the handover of keys was not just a pivotal moment for the residents but for the entire regeneration process, adding that €30 million would be committed to the project this year.
Local parish priest Fr Tony O’Riordan said it was a great day for the community but warned of the importance of maintaining a population strategy in the area.
Senior executive officer at the office of regeneration Brian Geaney said the pace of new builds across the city under the Limerick local authorities had quickened significantly.
“We are handing over the keys today for 34 new homes but by year end we will have seen almost 100 such homes completed across the city” he said.