Mr. Martin Blackwell:

I will respond to both comments because they are linked.

I completely agree that free parking is not the answer. Parking needs to be at a cost that is relative to what one will get in retukrn. People almost make a mental calculation when they park and if there is a fee, they ask themselves whether it is worth it. On the work Mr. David Fitzsimons is doing with the members of Retail Excellence Ireland, one can get people to be the best retailers in the world, but if the offer is not right, it will not work.

That brings me to my central point which is summed up by the mantra we have been using for 20 years - vision, strategy, action plan. One will only get these right if one can get all of the key stakeholders together working around the table.

I am referring to the local authority, but it is also the Garda, the transport providers, retailers and so on. Together, they would agree how they wanted their locality to develop. This must be the answer. The solution will be different everywhere even though there will be some common themes, but getting people to work together is the only way to make a difference in the long run.