Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates. As with Deputy Kyne, I believe this discussion is very Dublin city centre orientated.

I remember getting my rear end kicked when I was very much in support of an outlet shop in Goffs in Kill. Local traders could see the damage that was going to be done to them on a long-term basis as a consequence of traders coming from Grafton Street. I am talking about rural towns, including my town, Naas, and also Celbridge, Maynooth and Leixlip, all of which are on the periphery of Dublin. I include also the Chairman's town, Navan. These are all close to attractive shopping centres along the M50.

Senator Quinn referred to making towns a better place to visit. I heard what the witnesses said in this regard. I like the idea of town teams whereby a town works as a team to generate its own identity and purpose. Down through the years, Naas has become a good environment for high-end ladies' fashion retailers. We should be building on this. Perhaps we could develop this approach in other towns.

I disagree with the sentiments on parking. There has to be some parking charge or people will park all day. A charge is a necessary evil to ensure parking spaces continue to become available. I have a problem with clamping, which mostly occurs in private car parks. A Bill to come before the Dáil will be very strong on not allowing clamping in private car parks. They should use barriers because people can get detained elsewhere. Ladies, in particular, can get caught in nice fashion boutiques for a little longer than expected. Men are more likely to be caught in a pub than a men’s shop.