Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is scope for the Government to work with communities, local politicians, the trade union movement and businesses to make towns and cities exciting and enjoyable places for people to spend their time. This is why a task force on retail is essential. We must ensure that towns and cities offer people a great experience. That means a relaxed atmosphere, pedestrianised streets to stroll peacefully through and to be able to look into shop windows and pop in and spend a few bob. We need outdoor dining and drinking spaces. I have discussed this with the Tánaiste on a number of occasions. We need true public spaces where people can relax. This is what is going to drive footfall in towns and cities. If we make them enjoyable places to be and to spend time, people will gravitate towards them and, by extension, more people will be willing to spend in shops, pubs and restaurants. This will create jobs. Going online is almost like giving up. We want to hear from the Minister of State that he is going to back the call from Mandate for this retail forum and ensure a future for retail and for retail jobs.

See this speech in context