Vol. 518 No. 3
202 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to re-introduce the urban and village improvement scheme; if approval from the EU is required in this regard; and, if so, if approval has been sought and when an announcement can be expected. [11392/00]
The National Development Plan 2000-2006 sets out the Government's investment programme for continuing economic and social development for the next seven years. It provides for investment of £103 million in urban and village renewal projects during this period. The urban and village renewal measure is included in the regional operational programmes which are being drafted at present. These programmes will be submitted to the European Commission for approval shortly and when the Commission's approval is received the operational programmes will be published.
203 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if approval will be given to Kilkenny County Council on its submissions in respect of towns (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to enable the town renewal schemes to proceed. [11393/00]
A total of 101 town renewal plans have been submitted by county councils under the town renewal scheme including five plans from Kilkenny County Council. The expert advisory panel is now in the process of examining the various town renewal plans submitted by the county councils. The panel will make recommendations to me as to the areas to be designated and the incentives to be applied. Subject to the agreement of the Minister for Finance, I will then announce the designations and I expect to be in a position to do this in about two months.
