Vol. 452 No. 2
32 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South West) asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give consideration to the granting of urban renewal status to towns and villages in the Border counties as part of the peace dividend. [5847/95]
A new urban renewal scheme commenced on 1 August 1994 in 34 cities and towns throughout the country and will operate for a three year period. The scheme applies to five towns in Border counties — Dundalk, Drogheda, Monaghan, Sligo and Letterkenny.
I am aware of the cases made for designation of many other towns throughout the country including towns in the Border counties, under this scheme. However to be effective the scheme must be limited in its application and I do not intend to extend it to any further towns.
I should say, however, that I will be pursuing the question of special support for Border towns and villages in the context of the draft Community Initiative to support the peace process. In addition, I have invited local authorities to submit programmes for funding to improve towns and villages throughout the country under the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development.
