James Browne: Oliver Bond funding stands - no home cuts

Thank you very much László Ciann Comhairle, and I do thank the deputies for the opportunity I think to clarify the situation in relation to Oliver Bond and indeed in relation to regeneration right across the country. And just to highlight that in 2026 alone we'll see just over 9 billion euros in capital invested in housing in this country as a result of government policies. But 50 million euros a year is set aside specifically for regeneration projects that require refurbishment and remedial works alone. That's only one part of the funding that there is for regeneration in this country. And we are seeing funding of projects at record levels never seen before in the history of the state, and that has to be acknowledged as well. And the commitment is further evidenced in the Dublin City Taskforce Implementation Plan to prioritise the total regeneration of social housing complexes within the city centre, as well as the ambitions shown by Dublin City Council in the recently launched Dublin Home Building Programme as well. And there's concrete evidence of the government's commitment to regeneration of complexes within Dublin City. In the past 10 years or so in Dublin City alone there has been significant spend on regeneration projects, including the demolitions and rebuilding of homes at St Michael's Estate, at Devonay Gardens, St Teresa Gardens, Dominic Street and Dolphin House for just examples. My department always welcomes applications for funding for regeneration. So we do. Absolutely. And for including funding to support our retrofit and remedial works programmes. And in the case of Oliver Bond, funding has not been withdrawn. Let's be very clear. There is plenty of funding available for regeneration of Oliver Bond. You're fully aware of this, Deputy O'Brien. But the department has been refused. What the department will not stand over is the reduction in the number of homes. The proposal includes... Every time I try to speak in this chamber to say something you don't like, you try and shout me down. And look, I really just, you know, the kind of shouting tactics because you don't want to. This is a term, you don't want to listen because you don't want me to say what I'm saying. Let me say what I'm saying, Deputy. Can I speak? Can I speak? Are you going to keep shouting me down? You know, because you're not doing this house or anybody any favour. I just put my jaw on here. You're trying to shout me down. Jenny Trinkert, Lanneride. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Gaeille. So the funding stands available for the regeneration of Oliver Bond, House, so it does. And that funding is available to do just that. What the department cannot stand over is reduction in the number of homes. We will not fund a reduction in the number of homes. The proposal includes a reduction in one part of it of a 38% reduction in the number of homes. So there's not a net increase in the number of homes in terms of this regeneration project. Dennis Incoosh. And since 2015, the department has spent over 500 million euros on regeneration projects right across Limerick, Cork and indeed Dublin, as well as additional funding, planned maintenance, voice programmes, energy efficiency upgrades and refurbishment works. So there's been a very substantial funding made available, Deputy, as a result of the government making funding available. And in terms of how we govern this country, we govern the country in a way to ensure we have a strong economy that then benefits our own local communities. And you have to have both. You have to have the money to be able to spend it. And that's through the good management of the economy. As I've highlighted, Montpellier, Donor, Dorset Street, St Mary's, all with significant redevelopments as well. And the pipeline for regeneration is extremely strong. So Deputy, I wish you would stop putting out misinformation out there that the funding for regeneration has been withdrawn. The funding remains available. Dublin City Council know full well that we will support the regeneration, just as we did with Pearce House and a solution was found there as well. But what we will not do is fund a reduction in the number of homes available to people. And that is the reality of the position. Thank you very much. Good luck.