Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 6

Written Answers. - Living-Over-the-Shop Campaign.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

125 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to Dublin Corporation's living-over-the-shop campaign designed to encourage the residential use of vacant space over retail units; if he is prepared to allow local authorities provide local incentives by way of commercial rates relief to such shop owners within the framework of their own overall estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Smith)

The initiative in seeking to provide the rates waivers in respect of all or part of the rates due by particular classes of ratepayers or in respect of particular classes of rateable property would rest with the local authority.

In the event of any such arrangement being made, the cost would fall to be borne by the local authority concerned with appropriate provision being necessary in the authority's estimate of expenses.