Mary Harney
Question:65 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to confer urban renewal status on the town centre of Shannon, County Clare. [14851/96]
Written Answers. - Shannon (Clare) Urban Renewal.
The present urban renewal scheme was introduced on 1 August 1994 and will operate for a three year period. The scheme applies to 35 cities and towns throughout the country.
Late last year, Deputy Liz McManus, Minister of State with responsibility for housing and urban renewal announced a comprehensive review of the entire urban renewal scheme to assess the experience gained over the last ten years. As part of this review a team of independent consultants were appointed and their report on the matter should be completed during the summer. Deputy McManus has said on a number of occasions that until the outcome of this whole review process has been assessed, no new areas or towns would be designated.
There are more than 50 areas in cities, towns and seaside resorts already designated either under the urban renewal scheme or the pilot scheme for traditional seaside resorts. To introduce additional designated areas under either of these two schemes or to introduce a completely new scheme could, in my view, greatly dilute the benefits of the existing schemes. Consequently, there are no plans to extend designated status to any additional areas.