Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 220: To ask the Minister for Finance if in the context of his recent announcement for the promotion of tourism activities by way of tax incentives on the River Shannon, he will take steps to consider the area, on the lake shore at Inny Bay, down as far as Lanesboro, which has been omitted from the proposal; if in this context he will ensure that same is included in the proposal for the Shannon area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8244/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The areas to be included in the proposed Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme are outlined in Schedule 8B which is attached to Section 28 of the Finance Bill 2007. The area referred to by the Deputy is not within the area covered by the proposed scheme. It is not intended to extend the proposed scheme.

However, I would like to point out to the Deputy that the area he is referring to has, since 1998, benefited from the Rural Renewal Scheme which was much more extensive and generous than the current proposed Mid-Shannon Scheme. Following a major review of various property and area based tax incentive schemes I announced in Budget 2006 that various reliefs had either achieved the objectives set out for them or were no longer considered to be cost effective in terms of the objectives set out for them and were therefore being terminated subject to certain transitional provisions. The Rural Renewal scheme was included among these.