Campuses to enjoy tax incentives

THIRD LEVEL campuses are included in the list of areas approved for special tax incentives by the Cabinet this week.

An enterprise area at Rosslare Harbour is also an addition to the list of seven regional airports and two areas of high unemployment in Dublin which have been selected for special tax status.

It had been intended that the tax measures would apply to the Dublin City University campus, but it was subsequently decided that other third level institutions would have to be included.

According to the amended Finance Bill, all third level educational institutions receiving public funding and providing courses to which the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts applies, will be covered.

Campus companies and other commercial activities associated with the research and educational activities of the colleges may be able to benefit from the development.

Double rent reductions, rates relief, special capital allowances and wider availability of the 10 per cent tax rate will apply to areas listed in amendments to the Finance Bill yesterday.

The Bill passed the final stage in the Dail last night and goes to the Seanad on Wednesday next.

The Rosslare Harbour Enterprise Area will comprise two sites, one where the N25 intersects with the Ballygerry Road at Kilrane, and the other beside the pier wall.

The other areas included are the airports at Knock, Sligo, Donegal, Faranfore, Co Kerry, Galway, Waterford and Cork, as well as sites in Gallanstown in West Dublin and Finglas in north Dublin.

The decisions on what areas would be included in the list of locations to benefit from the special tax arrangements are understood to have been arrived at after lengthy cabinet debate.