Vol. 514 No. 6
239 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will ensure that Ballaghy, County Sligo, is included in the town renewal scheme in view of the fact that it has all the necessary requirements with the exception of the population criteria and taking into consideration the detailed submission lodged by Sligo County Council which is supported by all its members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/00]
The guidelines which were issued to county councils for the town renewal scheme outlined the criteria which councils were required to meet in selecting towns under the scheme. The guidelines included a list of eligible towns and Charlestown-Ballaghy was listed as an eligible town for County Mayo as Charlestown is where the bulk of the population resides. Charlestown-Ballaghy was not selected by Mayo County Council for inclusion in the first tranche of towns for which town renewal plans were prepared and submitted to my Department. Sligo County Council submitted a town renewal plan for Ballaghy but as it does not on its own come within the population limits set for the scheme, that is, 500 to 6,000, it could not be accepted as an eligible town under the scheme and Sligo County Council have been informed of this. My Department has since received a further submission from Sligo County Council and this is being considered at present.
