Vol. 555 No. 1
8 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if a town review and evaluation has been carried out of the urban tax renewal scheme; if he has satisfied himself that the scheme is achieving its objectives; if the Government intends to introduce changes to make the scheme more effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17489/02]
I assume that the question refers to the town renewal scheme. Designations under the town renewal scheme were announced in July 2000 and the scheme is due to operate until 31 December 2003. The incentives available under the scheme have already been enhanced with the extension, with effect from 5 December last, of section 23-type incentives to sites already designated for residential owner-occupier incentives.
My Department has recently requested local authorities to intensify their efforts in promoting the benefits of the scheme at local level. With the enhanced incentives available and a pro-active approach by county councils to implementing and promoting the scheme, I am confident that significant progress can be achieved in the towns designated. My Department will, however, continue to monitor the progress of the scheme.
I will take a brief supplementary question from Deputy Deenihan.
I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for allowing the question. The Minister of State should carry out an in-depth evaluation of the scheme. It has a lot to contribute, but it is just not working. The scheme is just not effective, which I know for a fact. For example, the desired results are not being produced in the towns in Kerry. The in-depth evaluation should be carried out by the Department and not by the county councils. The Minister of State should also look at additional provisions in this year's budget to make the scheme more attractive because it is not having an impact on the ground.
I agree that the take-up of the scheme has been poor to date, but I do not think an evaluation or extra incentives are required. The incentives available are the same as those available for the urban renewal scheme, which has been very successful. Take-up has been very slow and it is felt in counties where it has operated well that if local authorities took a pro-active approach and were seen to be pushing it, and perhaps had a designated official trying to deal with all queries of owners or developers, it might help to push things along. One can have problems with title and such matters. More assistance and promotion from the local authorities is needed, as is a more pro-active approach. If that were done for the remaining 15 months we would see more success.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
