asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the considerable social damage being caused by the closure of many small family businesses as a consequence of the development of vast shopping centres, he will indicate his unwillingness to approve of plans for shopping centres which will be in competition with existing retail shops; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questious. Oral Answers. - Shopping Centres.
35.
Applications for planning permission or approval are made in the first instance to the planning authority for the area in which development is proposed. I have no functions in the matter except on appeal against the decision of the planning authority.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, restricts the planning authority and the Minister, in dealing with such applications and appeals, to considering the proper planning and development of the area of the authority including the preservation and improvement of the amenities thereof.
Since each appeal must be considered on its merits, I do not consider that I would be justified in giving any indication on the lines suggested by the Deputy which would effectively be a prejudgment of appeals in this category.