Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
380 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the forthcoming study on the retail planning guidelines; if it will deal with the issue of below cost selling; and if it will be open to submissions from members of the public as well as persons involved professionally in the sector. [26651/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe retail planning guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 sq. m. gross retail floor space 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.
The issue of below cost selling does not come within the scope of the retail planning guidelines.
