Vol. 403 No. 10
114 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Environment (a) the funds (b) the resources and (c) the ideas or other supports he plans to contribute towards the effort of Dublin as the European Community cultural capital for 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that Dublin Promotions Organisation Limited are organising a "lighting up" ceremony at the Custom House on 11 May 1991 and I intend to support this project as far as I can. Already this year, in accordance with the environment action programme, I paid a sum of £500,000 to Dublin corporation under the urban renewal grants scheme towards a scheme of works designed to enhance the environs of the Custom House Docks area in Dublin. This grant will support a total expenditure in excess of £1 million on these works which are now at an advanced stage. A sum of £1.6 million has been provided for urban renewal grants in the 1991 Estimates and I hope to make a further allocation to Dublin Corporation from this provision.
Earlier this year, I announced a major extension of urban renewal areas in Dublin city and elsewhere. In addition, the deadline for qualifying works within the existing designated areas has been extended from 31 May 1991 until 31 May 1993.
