Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
75 Ms O’Sullivan 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 floor-space cap on retail warehouses; when he expects that the process will be completed, in view of the fact that he told Dáil Éireann on 2 June 2004 that it would be finished shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22579/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe retail planning guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 sq. m. gross retail floorspace for large scale single retail warehouse development. This aspect of the guidelines has been under review, taking account of the need to ensure proper planning and sustainable development, while also supporting effective competition in this sector of retailing in the context of ongoing developments in retail formats.
To assist in carrying out the review, interested parties were invited to make submissions to my Department. Some 71 submissions were received and have been assessed. The submissions received raised many complex issues and these will be fully taken into account in considering further whether any changes are needed in the guidelines. I expect to be in a position to announce the outcome of the review in the near future.
