Michael Ring
Question:62 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if Achill Island, County Mayo, is included in the tax incentive scheme for island housing as announced by the Minister of State at his Department last week. [7411/96]
Written Answers. - Island Housing Incentive Scheme.
Earlier this year, the interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on island development presented its report to the Minister of State, Deputy Carey. Following their findings, I introduced a new tax incentive scheme for certain offshore islands in this year's Finance Bill. The islands concerned are those 21 offshore islands listed in the recently published report. The purpose of this tax relief is to encourage the construction and refurbishment of residential accommodation for permanent residency on those offshore islands. The reliefs will apply to qualifying expenditure in the three year period from 1 August 1996.
In selecting the 21 offshore islands listed in the Finance Bill specific reference was drawn to those offshore islands having the following characteristics: no connection to the mainland and accessible only by sea or air; and the island community has been resident on the island for at least one generation. As the Deputy is aware Achill is linked to the mainland by roadway. Furthermore, Achill is one of the 15 designated seaside resort areas for the purpose of the pilot renewable scheme for traditional seaside resorts. Consequently, given that Achill does not qualify as an offshore island and is already a designated seaside resort area. I do not intend including Achill in the offshore islands scheme.