Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
165 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the analysis he has carried out on the possible transport implications of a lifting of the cap on the size of retail outlets and if he has asked for an analysis of the implications of the introduction of a possible furniture store (details supplied) adjacent to the M50 motorway. [32398/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe retail planning guidelines prescribe a maximum floor area of 6,000 square metres 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.
With regard to any individual development proposal at a particular location, it would primarily be a matter for the planning authority, and An Bord Pleanála where appropriate, to consider all relevant planning issues, including the potential transport implications, in the context of determining any such application. It would be open to the planning authority to require that any such proposal be accompanied by a traffic impact assessment demonstrating that the road network associated with the development has the capacity to cater for the traffic generated by the development without causing undue congestion and that the development can be served by existing and planned public transport services.
In bringing the review of the retail planning guidelines to a conclusion, all relevant issues, including the possible transport implications as they relate to this type of development generally, will be taken into account in the context of determining whether any changes to the guidelines are appropriate.
