Vol. 510 No. 6
70 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the promised retail planning guidelines will be produced in view of the commitment contained in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23313/99]
I issued draft planning guidelines on retail development for consultation in April. My Department is in the process of appointing consultants to examine the economic implications of the proposed guidelines on competition and prices to consumers. It is my intention to issue the definitive guidelines early next year, following consideration of this study and the observations received. Meanwhile, the planning policy directive on retail shopping which I issued on 9 June 1998 will continue in force pending the issue of the guidelines in final form.
