Vol. 496 No. 4
223 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has to give further time extensions to the previous urban areas that have participated in the most recent urban renewal scheme up to now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23070/98]
The qualifying period of the urban renewal scheme was originally due to end on 31 July 1997. Section 26 of the Finance Act, 1997 provided for a one year extension until 31 July 1998 where 15 per cent of the total expenditure was incurred before 31 July 1997. Section 24 of the Finance Act 1998 extended the qualifying period for a further five months until 31 December 1998 subject to certain conditions. One condition was that applicants had to show that they had problems completing projects before the end of the qualifying period due to delays which had arisen for bona fide reasons outside the direct control of the applicants concerned. I have received several representations requesting a further extension and the matter is being examined at present.
