Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 145: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he proposes to implement the mid-Shannon tourism infrastructure scheme promised in budget 2006; the reason for the delay in issuing the criteria for the scheme and the availability of the necessary application forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13268/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme was introduced in the Finance Act 2007. It is a new pilot tax based scheme for tourism facilities in the mid-Shannon area. The scheme is aimed at encouraging the development of new tourism infrastructure, or the refurbishment of existing tourism infrastructure, in that area.

When I announced the scheme I stated that its introduction would be subject to State aid approval from the European Commission. I have very recently received confirmation from the European Commission that the scheme has been approved for State aid purposes. I will shortly make the commencement order for the scheme and this will clear the way for the appointment by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, in consultation with myself, of the certification Board provided for in the legislation to approve projects under the scheme.

The criteria for the eligibility of projects will be set out in guidelines to be published shortly by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism.