Vol. 462 No. 8
48 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the traditional seaside resorts of north County Dublin known as Fingal in the next phase of the designation of resort areas in view of the high levels of unemployment here from a downturn in agricultural and industrial fortunes; and when the next phase will come into operation. [4366/96]
In last year's budget I announced a new scheme of relief for traditional seaside resorts. This pilot scheme came into effect last July for a three year period. The scheme is in operation in 15 seaside towns around the country, including the eastern seaside resorts of Clogherhead, Bettystown-Laytown-Mosney, Arklow and Courtown.
Since the passing of the 1995 Finance Act, there have been numerous requests to extend the scheme to additional towns and, in certain cases, to enlarge areas where the incentives already apply. However, as the scheme is of a pilot nature and has only recently commenced, it would seem inappropriate to consider the extension of this scheme to any further towns either in the eastern region or elsewhere in the country.
Until the experience from this pilot scheme can be thoroughly assessed, I have no plans to broaden in any way the current scheme.
