Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hear what Deputy Boyd Barrett is saying about the progressive rates system, which was reiterated by Deputy Niall Collins. I am glad there are so many Limerick Deputies in the Chamber today.

Given the proliferation of large multinational retail chains, we are working on a town centre revival framework, including an action plan for the town centre revival. The action plan for towns is tasked with establishing town teams to carry out health checks, prepare town strategies and to identify and signpost supports that retailers can avail of. The primary concern of this group is to assist struggling towns by increasing footfall and the vibrancy of the town centres. As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, I cannot support either retail or the local authorities directly.

However, I am working with the Minister for regional development, rural affairs, arts and the Gaeltacht to ensure the work of this group is aligned with the aims of her Department's town and village regeneration fund. I will also be working with the Minister for housing, planning and local government in terms of his responsibility for overseeing the local authorities to communicate the recommendations of this working group and to ensure that the work of the group is complementary.

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