Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, has unveiled the roadmap for one of the State's largest capital programmes, with the publishing of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan.

The 500-page document, which was launched at Thomond Park, is the first time the Limerick Regeneration programme has a clear and deliverable plan.

It is focussed on the three key pillars - Economic, Physical and Social - of the programme that will revitalise the communities over the next ten years by raising standards of living, opportunity and health and wellbeing for all residents of the regeneration areas.

The Framework Implementation Plan has been drawn up over a 12-month period and is very much evidence based, drawing from the previous four years of analysis and research on the ground across the regeneration areas.

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The Framework Implementation anticipates an average of €28m per annum invested over the term of this Government and beyond, with the funding drawn from the exchequer, European funding, the voluntary housing sector and the private sector. The plan will also dovetail with the Limerick 2030 Economic Plan designed to revitalise the city and countywide economy.

Announcing the programme, Minister Jan O'Sullivan said: "Today is a landmark day for all the citizens of Limerick. The clear message to go out today is that the Government is firmly committed to the successful regeneration of Limerick. We are giving regeneration a new impetus, a new focus and look forward to the acceleration of the construction projects throughout the city.

"This substantial investment will revive communities. It will also provide a major boost in construction employment. It is a matter of particular pride to me that local people will have access to new job opportunities created by regeneration. Social employment clauses in contracts will ensure that the skills of local people are deployed as we ramp up the regeneration of Limerick.

"This is an exciting time for Limerick. I believe there is a real spirit of optimism in the city. This is not to dismiss the major problems that exist. However, I do believe that together we have the resolve to overcome these challenges and achieve the potential that we know exists in our communities."

(CD/JP)