Vol. 503 No. 7
111 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will introduce the guidelines which were issued to local authorities on the townscape restoration scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11123/99]
In February last, I announced the Government's intention to introduce a new scheme of tax incentives aimed at the restoration and conservation of townscapes in smaller towns. An expert advisory panel is currently in the process of preparing detailed guidelines for the proposed new scheme. These guidelines will be finalised and issued to county councils over the next few weeks. County councils will be asked to consider which towns can benefit from the proposed scheme and to submit plans to my Department in accordance with the terms of the guidelines. When the plans are submitted the expert panel will examine them and make recommendations. It is hoped to commence the scheme later in the year.
