Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. While this undoubtedly is an important issue, as indicated within the body of the original reply, the guidelines give power to local government regarding new developments. The Senator highlighted this point in respect of section 5 of these guidelines. There is a specific problem regarding existing businesses that would be within 500 m and I acknowledge the Senator accepts completely that point. However, there must be much greater concentration on local area plans at local government level, which can give those guidelines to the planning authorities to show there is a concern with regard to the location of fast food outlets. In my constituency, a burger outlet sought to open right next door to a school but it was refused planning permission for some of the reasons the Senator outlined. Consequently, in some cases, there is a robustness to the existing guidelines. However, this is a holistic endeavour and is not simply a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. It is about education and all the different factors, as well as working with the commercial sector. However, it also is a parental issue and I do not dismiss the influence parents have in this regard.