Nora Owen
Ceist:172 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will make a decision on the tax designation application by Balbriggan Town Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16784/98]
Written Answers. - Urban Renewal Schemes.
In the context of the arrangements made in preparation for a new urban renewal scheme, Fingal County Council has made a submission to my Department in respect of Balbriggan, as well as a submission in respect of North West Blanchardstown.
The extent to which any case made by a local authority meets the criteria for the new scheme is undergoing examination by a broadly based expert advisory panel which was established last year to assess all of the plans submitted and provide advice in relation to proposals for the application of urban renewal tax incentives. Until such time as plans have been examined by the panel and considered further in the light of the panel's advice, it will not be possible to say which towns are likely to be included in the new scheme. Furthermore, the announcement of details of designations under the new scheme must await the approval of the European Commission to the incentives proposed.