Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Written Answers. - Urban Renewal Schemes.

Tony Gregory

Question:

285 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position of the five integrated area plans submitted to his Department by Dublin Corporation in March 1998; when sanction will be given; and when funding will be provided. [26720/98]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

Implementation of the new urban renewal scheme has been deferred until its terms, in so far as they relate to tax incentives for commercial and industrial development, have been approved by the European Commission.

The negotiations with the Commission are being led by the Department of Finance, with information, assistance and other support provided by the Department of the Environment and Local Government as appropriate. The negotiations are continuing with a view to resolving issues which have been raised by the Commission with regard to the future availability of certain urban renewal reliefs relating to business. In the meantime the expert advisory panel has been examining the 78 integrated area plans submitted by local authorities so that decisions on designation of areas and the tax incentives to apply can be announced and the new scheme commenced as soon as possible after the completion of the current negotiations with the EU.

Pending the making and announcing of these decisions I am not in a position to say which areas of Dublin might be included in the new scheme.

In relation to public funding, my Department's Estimates for 1999 include a provision of £6.5 million to commence the comprehensive redevelopment of a number of Dublin Corporation inner city flat complexes, including some in the north east inner city.