Vol. 501 No. 4
50 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will have the report of the consultants he commissioned to examine planning issues regarding large scale retail centres; the consultations, if any, he proposes to hold when the report becomes available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6262/99]
I have commissioned consultants to undertake a study of the planning implications of large-scale retail development in Ireland. The study will address all of the planning issues in relation to large scale retail developments, including the socio-economic aspects and, in particular, will identify the amount and location of existing large scale retail development and will estimate the amount, type and phasing of retail development needed in Ireland over the next ten years. The consultants are also to draw up draft planning guidelines appropriate to Irish circumstances.
I expect to be able to publish draft planning guidelines together with the consultant's report by mid-April 1999. There will then be a public consultation period. All observations received in relation to the draft guidelines will be taken into consideration and I will issue a final version of the guidelines as soon as possible thereafter.
