Michael Ring
Question:15 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any he has to include Louisburgh and Newport, County Mayo, in the pilot relief scheme for certain seaside resort areas. [8578/95]
Written Answers. - Seaside Resorts Scheme.
David Andrews
Question:18 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the criteria, if any, he will apply in determining whether the pilot urban renewal scheme for resort towns will be extended; if he proposes to extend the scope of the scheme; and if so, when. [8425/95]
Máirín Quill
Question:19 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Finance the specific criteria applied by him in determining the traditional seaside resorts to be included in the new scheme of tax incentives for improvement and renewal. [9431/95]
Michael McDowell
Question:64 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the specific criteria applied by him in determining the traditional seaside resorts to be included in the new scheme of tax incentives for improvement and renewal. [8379/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 18, 19 and 64 together.
The aim of the Pilot Renewal Scheme for Traditional Seaside Resorts, as announced in the budget, is to renew and update the tourist amenities and facilities in certain traditional seaside resorts which have lost out in recent years to the growth in package holidays to sun destinations. This was the main consideration for the selection of areas for this scheme. While the original list of areas to be included in this scheme was confined to eight traditional resorts I decided, following a large number of representations, to designate in the Finance Bill, seven additional resorts which are also in need of renewal. These extra areas, while giving a more even spread of designated areas around the coast are also largely targeted at the traditional seaside resort areas.
While I can understand the desire of many towns to be included in the scheme, it is not possible to accommodate all demands. I believe the existing 15 locations represent a fair spread and balance. Given that the scheme is a pilot scheme in nature it will always be possible on an ongoing basis to review the list of designated resorts towns in the light of experience gained from its operation.