Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the development of a strategic development zone in the area of Ireland West Airport, Knock; if he has received an application for consideration of tax allowances in respect of eco friendly developments subject to strict conditions; if his attention has been drawn to the potential that exists arising from same in this locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35251/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Government may by Order, on foot of a proposal from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, designate a site or sites as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) to facilitate development which is considered, in the Government's opinion, to be of economic or social importance to the State. I understand that initial discussions have taken place between officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and representatives from Mayo County Council and Ireland West Airport to explore the scope for such a designation.

My Department has recently received a proposal for a tax incentive scheme in relation to an Eco-Business & Renewable Energy Park beside Ireland West Airport, Knock. The Deputy will be aware that following a major review of various property and area based tax incentive schemes it was announced in Budget 2006 that most of the existing reliefs either had achieved the objectives set for them or were no longer considered to be cost effective in terms of the objectives set for them and were therefore terminated subject to certain transitional provisions.

The role that time-limited tax relief schemes can play in supporting public policy objectives is assessed continually in the formulation of tax policy.