Michael Ring
Question:367 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance when the tax incentive rates for commercial properties under the town renewal scheme 2000 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24462/00]
Written Answers. - Urban Renewal Schemes.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:389 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance if approval has been received from the EU regarding the commercial incentives proposed under the town renewal scheme for Listowel, Castleisland, Killorglin and Caherciveen, County Kerry; if he will extend the closing date to take account of the long delay in securing approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24206/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 389 together.
My Department formally notified the European Commission of the business elements of the new town renewal scheme on 19 July 2000 around the same time as the specific towns selected for the scheme were announced by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The Commission responded on 6 September 2000 with a request for additional information. The matter was discussed in detail at recent meetings with the Commission and a reply is currently being prepared. As things stand at present, it appears that it will take some more months before the business tax incentives elements of the scheme will be approved by the Commission. Such a delay is normal where Commission approval is concerned.