Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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628. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is considering undertaking a review of retail planning and development guidelines to provide for a distinct category for certain types of stores (details supplied) that are currently classified under the scope of general retail classifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61784/25]

John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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The Retail Planning Guidelines were issued as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act in 2012. Section 28 of the Act provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) are required to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their functions.

The guidelines recognise that the retail sector is a key component of the national economy and aims 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.

A plan-led approach is taken to the provision of new retail development based on a retail strategies. Under the Guidelines, retail strategies are to be prepared at regional and local levels, which project future retail needs and requirements aligned to the settlement hierarchy established by the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and City and County Development Plans. This process will identify the appropriate level, form and location of retail activity.

Part 3, Chapter 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, relating to National Planning Statements, commenced on October 2, 2025. Ministerial Guidelines will, over time, be reviewed and replaced, as appropriate, with National Planning Statements (NPSs). 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. In the interest of clarity, the existing Retail Planning Guidelines will continue to have effect until such time as they are replaced by an NPS.

With regard to the specific categories of retail establishments and consideration within the process of granting planning permission, under the provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) the definition of a 'shop' includes a structure used for the retail sale of goods. The Regulations do not specify what types of goods may or may not be sold within a shop.