Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
1 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change the retail planning guidelines; if he intends to allow for the building of a store (details supplied) in Ballymun or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32816/04]
View answerThe retail planning guidelines prescribe a maximum gross retail floor space of 6,000 sq. m. for large-scale single retail warehouse development. This aspect of the guidelines has been under review for some time, and account is being taken of the need to ensure proper planning and sustainable development while also supporting effective competition in this sector of retailing in the context of ongoing developments in retail formats.
The retail sector is an important part of a modern and dynamic economy. Our rapidly growing economy is such that the demand for retail developments of various forms is growing substantially. It was never the intention of the retail planning guidelines to restrict competition or reduce the retail options available to consumers. In bringing the review of the guidelines to a conclusion, these issues, as well as all the relevant planning issues that concern this type of development generally, will be considered. I intend to make an announcement on the outcome of the review within the next few weeks.
There is no question of the guidelines being changed to cater for a specific operator or case. Planning matters that may arise will be dealt with in the normal manner through the planning system. On individual applications, it is a matter for the relevant planning authority and, where appropriate, An Bord Pleanála, to consider all relevant planning issues in the course of determining any such applications in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements.
Does the Minister agree that while consumers would welcome IKEA's coming to Ballymun or another location, they have serious concerns? The members of the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, chaired by my colleague, and other Members of the Oireachtas are concerned about certain conditions that might apply to the location of the store in Ballymun. Serious problems arise in regard to the M50, other access routes and public transport but, nevertheless, IKEA's coming to Ballymun would be welcomed greatly, not least because of the 500 jobs that would be created. How will the Minister account for all the issues that have been raised by Members of the Oireachtas while at the same time proceeding with the principle he has enunciated?
I am aware that consumers would very much welcome greater choice. The Deputy's views on IKEA are correct and they were corroborated today on a programme broadcast by RTE. I am aware that there are concerns regarding this matter, some of which are exaggerated. Problems associated with traffic, for example, will have to be remediated. I will table amendments for consideration that will address such issues. If we approach the matter properly and have the type of calm debate we had yesterday at the meeting of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government, the various circles involved can be squared.
There has been widescale speculation on whether the store will locate in this State. If it locates in another part of this island, we will have lost an opportunity. I compliment Deputy O'Dowd, who discussed this matter at full length yesterday at the meeting of the joint committee, and I am aware of his concerns over the rights of consumers and people in general in Ballymun. He made his views very clear and they happen to coincide with mine.
How will the Minister surmount the problem of changing the guidelines? He stated he cannot change them for just one company and therefore he is in a difficult position. Having read the press releases early in the week, I noted that there were obviously problems within Cabinet regarding this issue, just as there are problems in the Oireachtas. How can we be sure the Minister always receives the best independent advice on this matter? Will he confirm that the advice he receives is always truly independent? Does he believe he should appoint persons in the business community, such as representatives from Goodbody's, to re-examine this issue and take on board the needs and rights of the consumer primarily and also the needs of the different shopkeepers, especially those in small towns who fear they may lose many jobs because of developments such as that proposed? Can the Minister adjust the guidelines to do what the consumer wants and at the same time protect jobs in smaller towns and the regions?
I am sorry to interrupt——
This is priority question time and the Deputy is not allowed to interrupt.
As a Member, am I not allowed to come in?
Not on priority questions.
At what stage may I contribute?
At no stage.
The Deputy is an esteemed Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business and it is difficult to put him down because he does a great job there.
My door is always open to my colleague and my ear is ever open to what he has to say or whisper into it. Deputy O'Dowd is correct, the essential issue here——
Is it Castlepollard?
He is certainly more correct than Deputy Cuffe. We debated this matter yesterday and he did not acquit himself very well.
Is that because he disagreed with the Minister?
Did Deputy Gormley hear the debate yesterday?
I heard the Minister this morning.
The Deputy did not hear the debate yesterday. The hypocrisy of the Green Party in this is startling because it eulogised Dundrum yesterday.
The Minister needs a new phrase.
Where are the 200,000 extra cars to go?
Let us move on from hypocrisy.
I focus specifically on the relevant points made by Deputy O'Dowd. He said that the essential point is to ensure that any amendment to the retail guidelines is cast in such a way that it does not cause the negative impact to which he has referred or unforeseen knock-on effects.
I am very strongly of the view that the advice from the Department is independent. Deputies O'Dowd, Gilmore and I had an exchange on this yesterday, a calmer one than comes from the benches behind them, and we took the view that whatever is done has to be——
I disagreed with the Minister.
I know the Deputy disagreed with me and he made a very fine series of points, but it was part of a focused debate which is the type of debate we should have. The issue is to draw up the guidelines in a way that does not entail the consequence about which Deputy Gilmore was concerned. We must face this problem on an all-island basis.
Is the Minister satisfied that all the advisers or special advisers in every category in his Department have been fully independent in their advice to him and to his predecessor?
Yes, I am, and I do not involve special advisers in my decisions on this.
We all meet our own men.
Deputy Kenny has known me for a long time and he is right.
