Vol. 554 No. 5
1512 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will review the town renewal scheme to determine if its terms and guidelines need to be changed to make it more attractive, in view of the fact that in many urban centres it is not being taken up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/02]
Designations under the town renewal scheme were announced in July 2000 and the scheme is due to operate until 31 December 2003. The incentives available under the scheme have already been enhanced with the extension with effect from 5 December 2001 of section 23 type incentives to sites already designated for residential owner-occupier incentives.
My Department has recently requested local authorities to intensify their efforts in promoting the benefits of the scheme at local level. With the enhanced incentives available and a pro-active approach by county councils to implementing and promoting the scheme, I am confident that significant progress can be achieved in the towns designated. My Department will however continue to monitor the progress of the scheme.
