Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance whether special tax incentives will be provided to various provincial towns; if so, their locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5562/98]
Written Answers - Tax Incentives.
A new urban renewal scheme will come into operation on 1 August 1998. Details of the tax incentives have been circulated in the context of a Committee Stage amendment which I will introduce to the Finance Bill. The amendment provides that, on the recommendation of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, the Minister for Finance may, by order, designate certain areas for the purpose of one or more of the tax incentives contained in the Finance Bill.
The designation of areas for urban renewal purposes will be based on integrated area plans to be prepared for priority areas identified by the relevant local authorities. These integrated area plans will then be assessed by an expert advisory panel established by the Minister of State with responsibility for housing and urban renewal, Deputy Molloy. This panel will then make recommendations to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government in relation to the designation of areas.