Ten-year plans to regenerate Limerick have been backed by the Irish government.

Environment Minister John Gormley called on all relevant departments and agencies to complete their contribution to plans by spring next year.

The final Limerick Regeneration Programme will then be considered by the State.

However, Mr Gormley and Housing Minister Michael Finneran have both endorsed the "overall vision" of the transformation proposals.

Minister Gormley said work will now advance on a range of issues, particularly in relation to the detailed costings and phasing of the project's implementation.

Over the next few months, a decision will be made on the funding of regeneration scheme, Mr Gormley said.

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This money is expected to be channelled through state departments and agencies, led by the Department of the Environment.

Agencies will also have to leverage the private investment required to underpin the overall programme.

A phased plan for how the programme will be implemented must also be agreed.

This includes demolition, refurbishment and new build schemes.

Minister Finneran said the main focus is "to develop a structured prioritised programme of works" to be included in phase one of the regeneration plans.

Once this is complete, plans will be put to the government, detailing support framework and proposed associated funding arrangements.

"My department, the regeneration agencies, the relevant local authorities and the wider range of government departments and state agencies involved will be working intensively on this over the next few months," he said.

Since 2007, around €55m has been provided to support a range of early interventions in the Limerick regeneration areas.

Minister Gormley said he will continue to prioritise the requirements of regeneration programmes, such as in Limerick, despite the economic downturn.

(PR/KMcA)