Vol. 499 No. 2
28 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the consultants appointed to study large scale retail shopping complexes were appointed; and their terms of reference, budget, expertise in this work and the deadline to report in this regard. [1049/99]
On 9 June 1998, I announced that I had commissioned a study of the planning implications of large scale retail development in Ireland and that, as an immediate interim measure pending the preparation of detailed planning guidelines, I had made a policy directive and regulations under the Planning Acts to limit the size of supermarket developments to 3,000 sq. metres of retail floor space.
Tenders were invited to carry out the consultancy and, following consideration of the tenders received, Roger Tym and Partners were appointed as lead consultants in association with Irish partners on 22 October 1998.
A copy of the full terms of reference is being circulated with the Official Report but they can be summarised as follows. The consultants have been asked to address all of the planning issues in relation to large scale retail developments, including the socio-economic aspects and, in particular, to identify the amount and location of existing large scale retail and supermarket development and to estimate the amount, type and phasing of retail development needed in Ireland over the next ten years. They are also to consider the implications of large scale retail development for sustainable development and the availability of an adequate and diverse retail service for all members of the community, including those without private car transport. Relevant international experience is also to be examined. The consultants are also to report on the impact of the 1982 and 1998 directives and to recommend the policies most appropriate to Irish circumstances. On the basis of these policies they are to draw up draft planning guidelines.
The budget for the consultancy is £48,550 +VAT. Roger Tym and Partners, the lead firm, is a consultancy, based in London, which specialises in property development, planning and urban and regional economics. The firm has wide experience in the retail sector internationally and has carried out retail studies in Ireland.
I expect to be able to publish draft planning guidelines at the end of February 1999, to allow for public consultation and all interested parties will be able to comment before the guidelines are adopted in the final form.
