Vol. 572 No. 5
16 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in the review of the retail planning guidelines relating to the floor-space cap on retail warehouses; the number of submissions received by the closing date of 3 October 2003; when he expects that the process will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23597/03]
On 19 August 2003 I announced a review of the retail planning guidelines in the context of the floor space cap on retail warehouses contained in them. The guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 square metres gross retail floor space for large-scale single retail warehouse developments. This cap is being reviewed, taking account of the need to ensure effective competition in this sector of retailing and ongoing developments in retail formats while ensuring proper planning and sustainable development. Central to this review will be the potential impact of the national spatial strategy on the guidelines and the need to ensure that cities and towns have the range of retail facilities that supports their attractiveness and competitiveness for investment and population growth.
To assist in carrying out the review, I invited interested parties to make submissions to my Department. The closing date for receipt of submissions was 3 October 2003, by which time 64 submissions had been received by my Department. It is my intention to assess all submissions received and these will be taken into account fully in considering whether any changes are needed in the guidelines. The review process will be carried out over the coming months.
Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 9.
