James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will be in a position to publish the new guidelines for planning authorities on retail planning to support and promote the development of town and village centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10089/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I intend to finalise the draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning by April 2012. These are aimed at: · ensuring that the planning system plays a key role in supporting competitiveness in the retail sector;

· advancing choice for the consumer while promoting and supporting the vitality and viability of city and town centres; and,

· contributing to a high standard of urban design and encouraging a greater use of sustainable transport.

My objective will be to strengthen national planning policy requirements for all planning authorities in relation to retail planning and the requirements in relation to driving city and town centres as focal points for retailing.