Michael Bell
Ceist:18 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the next round of urban renewal designation will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5905/98]
Written Answers - Urban Renewal Scheme.
Michael Ring
Ceist:88 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce urban renewal schemes; and the towns that will be designated for the scheme. [6042/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 88 together.
Designations under the new urban renewal scheme which is due to come into operation on 1 August 1998 will be considered on the basis of integrated area plans prepared by local authorities for areas of greatest priority in urban renewal terms. Guidelines for the new scheme set out the criteria to be used by local authorities in the selection of areas for such integrated area plans and provide guidance on the content of these plans. A copy of these guidelines is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The specified deadline for the submission of plans to my Department is 31 March next. A broadly based expert advisory panel, which I established last year, will assess the integrated area plans when received and make recommendations to me in relation to the designation of areas for tax incentives. An announcement in regard to the new scheme and the areas designated will be made in advance of 1 August.