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Planning Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004

Tuesday, 9 March 2004

Ceisteanna (333)

Pat Carey

Ceist:

420 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the analysis and recommendations of the report, Ghost Town Britain, published by the New Economies Foundation in Britain on urban retail degeneration, he proposes to review the operation of the retail planning guidelines (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7790/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The guidelines for planning authorities on retail planning published in December 2000 took full account of international experience, both in Britain and across Europe. One of the major policy objectives of the guidelines is to support the continuing role of town and district centres.

The guidelines explicitly state that the preferred location for retail development should be within town centres, consistent with the requirement to achieve good access, especially by public transport. The economic analysis undertaken in the course of the preparation of the guidelines supported this view and indicated that the closure of small local shops has undesirable effects in terms of dereliction, urban blight, reduction in town centre activity and a general depreciation in the attractiveness of town centre environments. The guidelines note that shopping provision is a key aspect of town centres and that it makes a major contribution to their vitality and viability. Planning authorities are advised in the guidelines to adopt a proactive role in enhancing the vitality and viability of their centres.

I am satisfied that the retail planning guidelines are working well in achieving their objective of maintaining the vitality and viability of town and district centres. I have no plans to review these aspects of the guidelines. However, the floor space cap on retail warehouses contained in the guidelines is currently under review and I expect that this review will be finalised shortly.

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