The government has given the green light for the first phase of a major regeneration programme for Limerick at a cost of €337 million.
850 new and refurbished houses along with schools and community facilities will be built as part of the scheme.
Construction work will begin this Summer starting with housing projects in Moyross and Ballinacurra Weston.
The programme will be funded by the exchequer as well as through public-private partnerships.
Announcing the government committal to the plan the Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the project will make amends for the poor planning which has contributed to social problems in Limerick.
“What’s being proposed here has been successfully achieved in other areas where regeneration was required” he said.
“I believe that this is a recoverable investment by government, by the taxpayer in view of the blighted lives and reduced potential of the areas concerned as a result of our failure to plan properly in the past” he added.
