Small County Towns

HC Deb 01 February 1990 vol 166 c335W

46. Dr. Blackburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his proposals to revitalise small county towns.

Mr. Needham

Since 1987 the Department of the Environment has been extending its environmental improvement programme outside the cities of Belfast and Londonderry and there are also programmes for comprehensive development, pedestrianisation and conservation and open space grants.

The Department also administers a package of financial incentives for urban regeneration made available by the International Fund for Ireland. I understand that the fund is presently reviewing its programmes including its urban development programme which has provided support for regeneration of towns and villages outside Belfast and Londonderry.