Vol. 482 No. 1
105 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to introduce special tax incentives within the Shannon basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17451/97]
The only scheme involving tax incentives for development for which my Department has responsibility is the urban renewal scheme. The Government has approved a framework for a new, more planned and targeted scheme which will come into effect on 1 August 1998 when the qualified extension of the current scheme terminates. Cases for designation under the new scheme will be considered on the basis of integrated area plans prepared for priority areas selected by local authorities.
Given that it is concerned with urban renewal, the scheme will be focusing on areas in cities and towns in greatest need of renewal. The relevant legislation would not allow large scale areas, such as the Shannon basin, to be designated. Of course, an individual town within the Shannon basin could be included under the new scheme should the relevant local authority consider, on the basis of criteria now being finalised, that the town, or part of the town, is an area for which an integrated area plan should be prepared.
