Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Minister for Finance with regard to the living city initiative, when the scheme will be extended to other cities; and if the size restriction of approx 2,500 sq ft be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10070/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that I announced in my Budget Statement that the Living City Initiative, which was enacted in the Finance Act 2013, would be extended to now include the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kilkenny as well the original target cities of Limerick and Waterford. The inclusion of these four cities within the Initiative followed the results of a thorough independent ex ante cost benefit analysis. I do not intend to extend the Initiative further than these 6 cities.  

The Initiative will target certain areas of these six cities, particularly those areas which are most in need of regeneration. Those designated areas will be decided upon following consultations with the relevant local authorities and other Government agencies. It is important to note that I do not see this as a wide-spread Initiative, as it is targeted at those areas which are most in need of attention. I have no plans at this stage to further amend the Initiative to increase the size limits as set down in legislation.