Regeneration work is due to begin today in Limerick to improve the city's most socially and economically deprived areas.

Two agencies, established by the Department of the Environment, based in Moyross and Southill, will oversee the demolition and rebuilding of derelict homes in the area.

The estates have become associated with drug-crime and feuding in the area, and the new regeneration agencies have been set up following recommendations produced in a report into crime, social exclusion problems.

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Newly appointed CEO of the agencies, Brendan Kenny, said he wishes to see the reconstruction of dozens of smaller estates with shops and community facilities and wants to encourage greater private ownership.

Former Dublin City manager John Fitzgerald, who led the report said creating employment and improving housing conditions were "critical" to the revitalisation Moyross and Southill.

(JM)