Tony Killeen
Question:14 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to extend the closing date for the special resorts scheme after July 1998; and the proposals, if any, he has in this regard. [9251/97]
Written Answers. - Seaside Resorts Scheme.
The pilot renewal scheme for traditional seaside resorts commenced on 1 July 1995 for a three year period. It is in operation in 15 seaside resorts around the country.
As the scheme has another 14 months to run, I have no plans at this stage to extend the closing date beyond 30 June 1998. As I have said numerous times in the past, this scheme is a new initiative, a pilot and experimental programme. Therefore, the experiences gained from this pilot scheme must be fully assessed before any consideration can be given to an extension.