Michael Ring
Question:286 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the success of the town renewal scheme 2000; and his plans to generate further interest in this scheme to ensure its success. [30424/01]
Written Answers. - Town Renewal Scheme.
Michael Ring
Question:287 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the town renewal scheme 2000 will be reviewed. [30425/01]
Michael Ring
Question:288 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the take-up for the town renewal scheme in 2000. [30426/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 to 288, inclusive, together.
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 is monitored on an ongoing basis and will operate until 31 December 2003. I am confident that with pro-active promotion by local authorities and the significant incentives available, both commercial and residential, that there will be a substantial take up of the scheme over its lifetime.