Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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297. To ask the Minister for Finance in view of representations this Deputy has received from Sligo Chamber of Commerce, the reason Sligo has not been included in the new Living City Initiative, in view of the fact it could prove to be a very important regeneration tool for a gateway city such as Sligo, which is struggling to re-emerge from the financial crisis; if he will reconsider this decision, and include Sligo in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Living City Initiative, which was enacted in the Finance Act 2013, has been extended beyond the original pilot cities of Limerick and Waterford, to include the cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kilkenny as well. In line with my Department's commitment to evidence based policy-making, the inclusion of these additional four cities was as a result of a comprehensive, independent ex ante cost benefit analysis.

This Initiative is targeting particular areas of these six cities which are most in need of regeneration. The designated areas have been decided upon following consultations with the relevant local authorities, other Government agencies and an independent adviser.

I do not currently intend to extend the Initiative further than the six cities. However, my Department will closely monitor the progress of the Initiative in the six cities, and will keep the matter of potentially extending the relief further under review.

It is important to note that I do not see this as a wide-spread Initiative, as it is targeted at those areas in the six cities which are most in need of attention.