Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I draw the attention of the Leader and the House to the recent Northern Executive and Assembly initiative whereby a levy is being placed on large retail properties with sizeable retail valuations, with the proceeds to be used to reduce rates for smaller businesses. We have heard Senator Denis Landy and many others speak about this issue in the recent past and all know how businesses are suffering. There is serious concern about the effect out-of-town stores are having on businesses in town centres and traditional retail zones. We must find ways to make town centres more attractive. Out-of-town stores should make a contribution to the cost of town centre regeneration.

We have seen the drift. All provincial towns are suffering. Much of this is the result of bad planning over the years. In the drift out of town, where the infrastructure did not exist it had to be put in at great cost to local authorities. We are aware of the investment in town centres, with paving, footpaths, piping and so on. We have allowed that to suffer, very stupidly, through bad planning. Action must now be taken to redress the situation we have allowed to develop all over the country.

I encourage the Leader to look at this issue and, appropriately, to bring it to the attention of the Government.