Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 2

Written Answers. - Public Private Partnerships.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

235 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that documentation submitted by Sligo Corporation to his Department in support of its application for grant aid under the PPP fund for local authorities 2001, indicated that the borough council in its integrated area plan for Sligo urban renewal 1999-2003, sought the provision of multi-storey car parking in the Abbey Street-Teeling Street-Chapel St.-Charlotte area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the information was incorrect; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the members of the borough council unanimously voted to delete any provision for multi-storey parking in the area when it considered the draft integrated area plan on 22 May 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23999/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen):

An integrated area plan for Sligo Borough Council was submitted to my Department under the urban renewal scheme for 1999 in which residential and commercial incentives, including car parks, were requested for the area referred to in the question. The IAP was subjected to detailed assessment by an independent expert advisory panel which recommended that the tax designations sought be allowed. These recommendations were accepted in full and announced in February 1999. There is no provision in the Urban Renewal Act, 1999, for subsequently varying or modifying an IAP.

In November 2000 my Department received an application from Sligo Borough Council for a grant under the local authority PPP fund to undertake a feasibility study on the proposed development of lands owned by it at Abbey Street for car parking and ancillary services. This was approved in April 2001. The supporting documentation included a reference to the fact that this area had been designated for commercial reliefs, including car parks, under the urban renewal scheme. The consultants carrying out the feasibility study are due to report to the council by the end of the year.

My Department has no record of the council voting to amend the IAP for this area on 22 May 2000.