Plans unveiled today to regenerate the Limerick estates of Moyross, Southill and Ballinacurra Weston must involve full consultation with local people, the Labour Party said today.
The major scheme will involve the demolition of 2,000 houses and the reconstruction of communities, with new social, educational and policing facilities.
Limerick East TD Jan O'Sullivan welcomed the plans and said local infrastructure and amenities fall "well short" of what local communities require and deserve in these areas.
"But the process of regeneration will only deliver on its potential as long as it is regarded as an investment in people, rather than an investment in the physical environment and infrastructure," she said.
Ms O'Sullivan added that although local facilities need to be improved, the plans "must go further than that if they are to succeed".
"The plans must provide support to families, especially those that are most at risk. In particular it is important that those who drop out of school early are provided with adequate opportunities and are not left in an educational black hole."
The Limerick TD said policing must also be improved: "There must be permanent structures put in place to ensure that the communities are protected from the criminal behaviour of the small few."