Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

Deputy Hogan is right to say that there is a compromise brewing. Does the Minister accept that the groceries order involves a uniquely consumer perspective or does he accept that the order also involves other vital perspectives, such as good planning? Does the Minister agree with the consumer strategy group's recommendation that local authorities should interpret the retail planning guidelines in a manner that promotes competition and that is consistent across all local authority areas? Alternatively, would the Minister share my view that different interpretations might be more appropriate for different locations?

The needs of cities such as Dublin, Cork or Galway are different from those of towns like Wexford, Mullingar and Tralee. Therefore, the best interpretation of what is appropriate to maintain the heart of towns and accessible shopping precincts is better understood by the local community. That is why we have the concept of local government, as opposed to centralised Government, to make planning decisions.

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