Jimmy Deenihan
Question:45 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the guidelines for the townscape restoration scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10631/99]
Written Answers. - Urban Renewal Schemes.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:76 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will announce details of the new urban renewal or new streetscape schemes; the plans, if any, he has to include Skibbereen; and the other towns in west Cork which will be included. [10630/99]
Liam Aylward
Question:186 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the guidelines governing the townscape restoration scheme will be available to local authorities to enable them to define the areas to be included in this scheme. [10790/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 76 and 186 together.
In February last, I announced the Government's intention to introduce a new scheme of tax incentives aimed at the restoration and conservation of townscapes in smaller towns. An expert advisory panel is currently in the process of preparing detailed guidelines for the proposed scheme. The guidelines will be finalised and issued to county councils within the next few weeks. County councils will be asked to consider which towns can benefit from the proposed scheme and to submit plans to my Department in accordance with the terms of the guidelines. When the plans are submitted the expert panel will examine them and make recommendations. It is hoped to commence the scheme later in the year.