AS Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely, turned the sod on the first Regeneration housing development in Moyross this week, some locals expressed fears about who would be put into the new dwellings.
A crew from Clancy Construction, Thurles, arrived at Cliona Park on Tuesday morning to erect hoarding around the site where 33 residential units are to be built. Seventy-one construction jobs have been created.
It had been originally planned to begin the construction phase of the regeneration programme in 2009, but the process has been plagued with delays.
“We’re relieved this is finally happening,” admitted Brendan Kenny, despite local concerns about the project.
“There were objections from some local people who are concerned that these houses are going to be built on green areas. Others are worries about who is going to be put into them,” Mr Kenny confirmed.
He also explained: “We’ve been fighting a long battle but it’s finally happening now. There will only be 33 dwellings, which is small but still significant”.
There are currently approximately 800 houses in Moyross. Mr Kenny also confirmed the next housing development under regeneration in the area was now under examination.
Elsewhere, regeneration housing developments are also planned for Southill consisting of 34 new houses.
“We hope to get a builder on the Southill development site before Christmas,” Mr Kenny told the Limerick Post.
He added: “We are also hoping to get a builder at the Lord Edward Street site in March or April next year for the 70 dwellings planned to go in there”.
