Vol. 544 No. 5
147 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the take up of the most recent town renewal scheme; his views on whether the scheme has taken off to a significant degree in many towns; if he will review the working of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29382/01]
Designations under the town renewal scheme were announced in July 2000; while residential incentives were commenced immediately, the requirement to obtain EU Commission approval to the commercial incentives meant that these did not commence until 6 April 2001. The scheme in common with the other tax incentive based schemes currently in operation is monitored on an ongoing basis. The scheme runs until 31 December, 2003 and I am confident that with proactive promotion by the various county councils and the generous incentives available, both commercial and residential, that there will be a substantial take up of the scheme over the period of its duration.
