David Stanton
Question:125. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his policies to support the creation of jobs in the town centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18592/13]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2013
Questions (125)
Written answers
I take it that the Deputy is referring to support for the creation of jobs in the retail sector in town centres. The 2013 Action Plan for Jobs includes a number of measures which will support the retail sector, including an initiative to introduce a single portal for business licence applications, a new scheme to help more businesses to trade on-line, and the integration of local business supports into a stronger Local Enterprise Office network to improve provision for micro and small enterprises. Additionally, the Government has committed to strengthening the Credit Review Office to deal with problems in getting access to finance, which can often be a problem for retail outlets.
As part of the Action Plan for Jobs, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has undertaken to review activity in the report published in 2012 by the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA) which identified actions, projects and activities undertaken by Local Authorities which can be seen to contribute to local development, enterprise support and economic growth. This action may also have relevance for the retail sector at a local level. The Government has also committed, in the Action Plan, to establishing an Interdepartmental Group to undertake a short examination of further possible measures to assist the retail sector, which could, for example, be considered in the context of the Budget or the 2014 Action Plan for Jobs. This Interdepartmental Group will be chaired by my Department.
I am aware that the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation recently received a presentation from representatives of the retail sector on the impact that parking restrictions can have on retail outlets in town centres. I will ask my officials to examine the paper on town-centre parking, in the context of the work of the Interdepartmental Group referred to above.