Vol. 526 No. 3
221 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the situation with regard to commercial and business premises with reference to the small town urban renewal scheme; if such premises have been approved under the scheme; if not, when he expects this approval to be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26228/00]
My Department formally notified the European Commission of the business elements of the new town renewal scheme on 19 July 2000 around the same time as the specific towns selected for the scheme were announced by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The Commission responded on 6 September 2000 with a request for additional information. The matter was discussed in detail at recent meetings with the Commission and a reply is currently being prepared. As things stand at present, it appears that it will take some more months before the business tax incentives elements of the scheme will be approved by the Commission. Such a delay is normal where Commission approval is concerned.
