Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Urban Renewal Schemes.

Willie Penrose

Question:

190 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if the period for carrying out 15% of the total construction cost of buildings under the town renewal scheme, which was due to expire on 31 December 2002 under legislation (details supplied), has been extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24771/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The qualifying period for the town renewal scheme expires on 31 December 2003. No change was made to this deadline in the Finance Act, 2002. There is no requirement under this scheme that 15% of the total construction cost of buildings be incurred by a specified date.

The Finance Act, 2002, extended the qualifying period for the urban renewal scheme to 31 December 2004. However, this extension only applies where the relevant local authority certifies by 30 April 2003 that 15% of the total costs have been incurred by 31 December 2002.

As is customary in the period leading up to the budget, I have no comment to make on possible changes to the qualifying dates for these schemes.