Michael Ring
Question:665 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to consider east Mayo for special tax designation status. [1817/98]
Written Answers. - Tax Designation Status.
Michael Ring
Question:667 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the town of Castlebar, County Mayo will be included in the new urban renewal scheme to be announced in 1998. [1819/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 667 together.
Cases for designation under the new urban renewal scheme, which is due to come into operation on 1 August 1998, will be considered on the basis of integrated area plans to be prepared by local authorities for areas of greatest priority in urban renewal terms. Guidelines have been issued which set out the criteria to be used by local authorities in the selection of such areas. Accordingly, the designation of areas in Castlebar or towns in East Mayo could only be considered should Mayo County Council decide, on the basis of the guidelines, to draw up and submit to my Department by 31 March 1998 integrated area plans for them.
The new urban renewal scheme relates to urban areas only. Designation of other areas for tax incentives is a separate issue which would be a matter for the Minister for Finance in the first instance.