Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Retail Planning Guidelines.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

106 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will receive the completed consultants report on the likely impact of the draft retail planning guidelines on competition with the retail sector; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24769/00]

Ivan Yates

Question:

338 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the consultants report relating to the draft planning guidelines for the retail sector will be published; and the reason this report has not been published to date. [25022/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 338 together.

I have received the completed consultants' report on the impact of the draft retail planning guidelines on the retail sector. The report was prepared by Goodbody Economic Consultants in association with Brian Meehan and Associates, Planning Consultants, and Patrick Lyons, Competition and Management Consultant. This study was jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to examine the likely impact of the draft retail planning guidelines on competition within the Irish retail sector, the supply of products to consumers at lower prices, consumer choice and the supplier base.

The Goodbody report has been considered along with the submissions received in relation to the draft retail planning guidelines. The process of finalising the guidelines is almost complete and I propose to publish the Goodbody report along with the final retail planning guidelines within the next few weeks.