THE LIMERICK Regeneration policy of demolishing good houses while thousands wait on housing lists has been highlighted by a group of Southill residents who are angry at the proposed demolition of eight houses in Kincora Park.
Claiming that they have been treated appallingly by Limerick City and County Council, the residents – many of whom have lived in the estate for almost 50 years – have started a campaign of opposition to the proposed demolition of houses numbered 1 to 8 in their small estate on the southside of the city.
And they allege that the local authority is “hell bent on wrecking their community” by demolishing the houses, despite a big housing waiting list that includes some of their own family members.
Local Fianna Fail TD, Willie O’Dea, who is acting on the residents’ behalf, claims the Council told him it could be five to ten years before the houses are demolished and, in the meantime, the unoccupied houses will be boarded up.
“I agree with the local residents that these houses could be made suitable for tenants with very little outlay,” said Deputy O’Dea.
He predicted that the longer the houses are left unoccupied, the more likely they are to be broken into, vandalised or burnt out.
“It will lead to a general decline is what is currently a very good area. There is an enviable community spirit in Markievicz Drive and the Council appear to be hell bent on destroying this, like they have done in so many other Regeneration areas throughout the city,” he claimed.
Deputy O’Dea went on to ask how we as a society can justify the demolition of perfectly good houses when there is such a shortage in Limerick?
“This madness has to stop,” he said.
In response a spokeswoman from Limerick City and County Council explained, “The project in Markievicz Drive is being carried out in line with the adopted Regeneration Implementation Plan for the area follows extensive public consultation with the community.”
“The purpose of the proposed demolitions is to enhance the physical environment from both a movement and community safe perspective. Three of the eight properties on the row in question are in the ownership of the Local Authority and the Office of Regeneration acknowledges the impact of this project on those other families affected,” she said.
According to the Council, it is working with affected residents to reach solutions and is making every effort to minimalise the impact of ongoing works.
