Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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643. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures currently being taken or that are being planned to ensure that local authorities have the knowledge and skill to address the needs of the changing retails environment in cities and towns here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28011/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning and accompanying Retail Design Manual which I published on 1 May 2012 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 is to provide a clear framework for the continued development of the retail sector in a way that provides certainty for retailers and communities by strengthening national planning policy requirements for all planning authorities driving city and town centres as focal points for retailing, ensuring good vitality of the places retailing activity takes place and ultimately in ensuring competitiveness, nationally, regionally and locally.