Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have asked the city councils to draw up a register of the properties to which this might apply and to give us an indication of the areas they will designate. They will make their designation in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. With regard to how the scheme will work, we will begin with a cost-benefit analysis which we will publish and which can be discussed if required. Then, if we have a viable scheme, we will take it to Europe where we will negotiate it. We hope to do that during 2013 and it is only after that we will get it across the line.

On the Georgian side, it will apply as a house by house scheme and the local council must be specific as to which buildings fall within the remit of the scheme. In terms of retail rejuvenation, it will be an area designation and this too will be quite restricted. There will also be consultation with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and interest groups, like the Irish Georgian Society, on what the refurbishment requirements should be for so many listed buildings. It is lovely to have listed buildings, but they are not very attractive when they are falling down and the owners do not have any money to do anything about it. I would like the Deputies to accept my bona fides on this and I will keep them fully informed.