I thank the Deputies for the opportunity to clarify the situation in relation to Oliver Bond flats and regeneration right across the country. I highlight that in 2026 alone, there will be just over €9 billion in capital invested in housing in this country as a result of Government policies. Some €50 million per year is set aside specifically for regeneration projects that require refurbishment and remediation works. That is only one part of the funding that there is for regeneration in this country. Funding for projects is at record levels that have never been seen previously in the history of the State. That must be acknowledged. The commitment is further evidenced in the Dublin city task force and implementation plan to prioritise the total regeneration of social housing complexes within the city centre as well as the ambition shown by Dublin City Council in the recently launched Dublin home building programme. There is concrete evidence of the Government's commitment to regeneration at complexes within Dublin city. In the past ten years or so in Dublin city alone, there has been significant spending on regeneration projects, including the demolition and rebuilding of homes at St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens, St. Teresa's Gardens, Dominick Street and Dolphin House. Those are just examples.
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My Department always welcomes-----
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-----applications for funding for regeneration-----
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-----including for funding to support refit, retrofit and remedial works programmes. In the case of Oliver Bond flats, funding has not been withdrawn. Let us be very clear. There is plenty of funding available for the regeneration of Oliver Bond flats.
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Deputy Ó Broin is fully aware of this.
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What the Department cannot-----
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What has been refused?
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What the Department will not stand over is the reduction in the number of homes.
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The proposal includes-----
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Every time I try to speak in this Chamber and it is something the Deputy does not like-----
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-----he tries to shout me down.
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These are shouting tactics because they do not want to-----
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This is a Chamber. The Deputy does not want to listen because he does not want me to say what I am saying.
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Let me say what I am saying. May I speak?
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Are you going to keep shouting me down?
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The Deputies are not doing this House or anybody any favours-----
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-----by constantly trying to shout me down.
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I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. The funding stands available for the regeneration of Oliver Bond House. What the Department cannot stand over is a reduction in the number of homes. We will not fund a reduction in the number of homes.
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The proposal includes a 30% reduction in the number of homes. There is not a net increase in the number of homes in this regeneration project.
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Since 2015, the Department has spent over €500 million on regeneration projects across Limerick, Cork and Dublin, as well as providing additional funding for planned maintenance, voids programmes, energy efficiency upgrades and refurbishment works. The Government has made available substantial funding. In terms of how we govern in this country, we govern in a way that we ensure we have a strong economy that benefits local communities. We have to have both. We have to have the money to be able to spend it. That happens through the good management of the economy. As I have highlighted, Montpelier, Donore, An Droichead Órga, Dorset Street and St. Mary's have all been significantly redeveloped. The pipeline for regeneration is extremely strong. I wish Deputy Ó Broin would stop putting out misinformation that the funding for regeneration has been withdrawn. The funding remains available. Dublin City Council knows full well that we will support regeneration, just as we did with Pearse House where a solution was found. What we will not do is fund a reduction in the number of homes available to people.
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That is the reality of the position.
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