Vol. 505 No. 3
204 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to meet the concerns of retail workers in Waterford regarding the introduction of out of town superstores (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13599/99]
210 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will decide if the draft retail planning guidelines which limit the size of supermarket developments will become regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 210 together.
In June last year, I made a policy directive and regulations under the Planning Acts to limit the size of supermarket development to 3,000 sq. metres, pending the carrying out of a detailed study and publication of planning guidelines by my Department. The study has now been completed and published and the draft planning guidelines were issued on 15 April 1999 for a period of two months for public comment.
I will take into account the views of the retail workers in Waterford, along with all other submissions received as part of the consultation process, when deciding on the final version of the guidelines. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála will be statutorily required to have regard to the final guidelines in carrying out their planning functions. The existing policy directive will remain in force pending the issue of the final guidelines.
