Mr. James Claffey:

Such development can be perceived as a threat as it takes away from smaller shops. It has also had a massive impact on small and medium-sized businesses, with an 81% closure rate. In contrast, jobs are created and life has been made easier for people living in Dún Laoghaire. We cannot disagree with an investment that will create jobs, as we have a high rate of unemployment. As we said, jobs are our biggest focus.