Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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367. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the success of a business (details supplied), of the number of employees working in the facility and the number of visitors the facility attracts on an annual basis; the supports his Department is providing to the business to ensure its continued success; if he is aware of the limitations of the current retail planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that, since opening, the business referred to has expanded to become a substantial retail employer, attracting a significant number of visitors each year. It also participates in some of Tourism Ireland’s overseas marketing events and familiarisation visits for international media and tour operators and also engages with Fáilte Ireland across a range of promotion, training and sales initiatives.

A broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding, to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail can be found on the National Enterprise Hub. The National Enterprise Hub is an all-of-government service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports. The Hub brings together information and resources on over 250 government supports from 29 different Departments and State Agencies.

The Retail Planning Guidelines fall under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The guidelines recognise that the retail sector is a key component of the national economy and aim to ensure that the planning system continues to play its role in supporting competitiveness and choice in the sector, while also promoting the vitality and viability of city and town centres.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has advised that it will undertake a programme to review existing Guidelines, including the Retail Planning Guidelines, with the intention of replacing them with National Planning Statements. The conversion of existing Guidelines to National Planning Statements will be sequenced over time following commencement of the relevant chapters of the Planning and Development Act 2024. Having regard to the evolving nature of the retail industry and broader changes that are impacting on the role of city and town centres in recent years, it is envisaged that a review of the Retail Planning Guidelines will be included in the review programme. My officials are keeping in regular contact with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter.