asked the Minister for the Environment if he has examined the proposals for urban renewal from Clonmel Corporation and Carrick-on-Suir Urban District Council, County Tipperary; if he has given his approval to these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As stated in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 59 of 19 July 1989, I propose to extend designation for urban renewal to parts of eight further provincial towns. Clonmel, but not Carrick-on-Suir, is included among these towns. The exact definition of the areas to be designated is being finalised with a view to completing the necessary orders.

Is Clonmel included?

Yes.

Does that include the updated proposals from the corporation to the Minister on 6 October? The Minister said he was not including Carrick-on-Suir in his new designation order. Is he aware of the level of unemployment of 35 per cent in Carrick-on-Suir? It is a major black spot alleviated slightly yesterday by the innovative opening by the Minister's colleague of the gas link to Tipperary Crystal but nothing else is on the horizon for the town. Therefore, this designation would have been important to them.

The Government have no proposals at present to extend the designation to Carrick-on-Suir.

How many towns are on the list?

That is a separate question. The question refers to Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir.

How many towns are included?

Eight towns.

Could the Minister list them?

I could but I do not want to go into detail because I announced them on a number of occasions, even when I was in the Deputy's county.

The Minister did not tell me.

The Deputy did not come to listen to me.

Will the Minister give the date of the intended inclusion of Clonmel?

Clonmel is included.

I know but when will it be included?

Shortly.

Before Christmas?

Yes, I hope so.