Vol. 462 No. 2
33 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will report on the developments to date following the designation of Salthill, County Galway, under the pilot scheme for traditional seaside resorts. [2624/96]
The regional tourism organisations have been monitoring the level of development in the designated resort areas since the introduction of the pilot relief scheme on 1 July 1995. However, as I have indicated in reply to earlier question on this subject, the tax-based nature of the scheme and the normal lead in time for capital projects of this nature, make it difficult to assess the level of investment planning and activity under the scheme.
Will the Minister outline the developments that may take place under the tax incentive scheme? The question relates specifically to Salthill in my area, and the Minister will be aware of the recent comments of the city manager expressing disappointment at the lack of response to the scheme. A special conference is being organised today to attract development to the area by way of the tax incentive scheme. Is the Minister considering improving the scheme in view of its failure in an important area such as Salthill?
Deputy Molloy has been a consistent supporter of Salthill and I am glad that town was included in the scheme.
After much pressure.
The Deputy, and many others, brought much pressure to bear in that regard. Eleven applications have been lodged for developments in Salthill, ranging from apartment to commercial office and restaurant developments. Persons applying for developments may not apply for tax concessions under the scheme until 1997 in the case of income tax and February 1996 in the case of corporation tax. While I can give information on application for planning development in Salthill, I cannot say whether application has been made for tax concessions under the scheme.
Is the Minister aware there is a substantial difference between the urban renewal tax incentive scheme and the traditional seaside resort scheme? There is a belief that there would have been a greater response had urban renewal tax incentives and rate remissions been granted. Is the Minister considering that matter?
I was very happy with the way the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners dealt with this matter. The Revenue Commissioners have approved a £20 million development in one of the seaside resort areas on the south coast.
The question relates to Salthill.
The scheme is the subject of considerable interest and I expect great developments as a result, including in Salthill.
Has progress been made in areas designated under the special resort scheme where infrastructural development is held up because of lack of infrastructure, as is the case in Lahinch?
I cannot speak for the Department of the Environment, but the planning authorities are very concerned that in many areas where application is made there is inadequate water and sewerage services. That is a matter of proper co-ordination and sensitive development.
When will the next phase of the traditional seaside resort scheme be introduced? I am particularly mindful of coastal erosion problems affecting the traditional seaside resorts of north County Dublin such as Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Protrane and Donabate.
That amounts to a constituency tour.
From his long experience Deputy Burke will be aware that this is a matter for Government decision in due course.
Will the next phase of that scheme be introduced in 1996?
I would be happily disposed towards giving the Government a progress report on that scheme since its inception in 1995 at the end of this year.
