John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recent trend for petrol stations to be closed and re-developed as housing developments, particularly in view of the implications of this trend for competition and consumer interests; and if he will discuss with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures which can be taken to address this. [34590/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Consumers benefit from competition in the market and the Government is committed to fostering competition in all sectors of the economy. The national markets in which oil companies and petrol stations operate are no exception.

I am aware of instances where petrol filling stations have been sold for alternative use indeed this practice is not just confined to petrol filling stations and one could cite instances of hotels, pubs and shops which have ceased trading and been sold for residential housing. I am also aware of instances where existing retailers are adding motor fuel to their existing product offering. However, it is the right of any individual or corporation to sell its business and exit the market if it so wishes and it would be inappropriate for the Government to force incumbents to stay in a market. Once all planning and health and safety requirements are adhered to, the matter of replacement redevelopments, whether they are commercial or residential in nature, is a free market issue.