Retail strategy ‘potentially dangerous’

THE Regional Retail Strategy is “potentially dangerous” for the county as it contains-out-of date information gathered before the economic crisis, it has been claimed. At this week’s meeting of Clare County Council, Councillor Johnny Flynn called for an update on the data relevant to Clare in the strategy compiled by the Mid-West Regional Authority.

“The data that was used was based on 2007 figures. Since it was printed, the current economic crisis has overtook it. It is a very good document that attempted to do the right thing and the county provided up-to-date data at the time but it is potentially dangerous because it is out of date. Very large developments could come in on the back of it and that would put small retail at risk,” stated Councillor Flynn.
This was seconded by Councillor PJ Kelly. Councillor Christy Curtin agreed the performance of the Retail Strategy has to be monitored. Councillor Cathal Crowe spoke about the doughnut effect that has been seen in Limerick. He expressed his worries about the merging of Limerick’s local authorities saying, “Now it is a larger authority it really puts it up to us. Time and time again Ennis and Shannon are left out and it seems to be all about Limerick with the regional authority.”
Councillor John Crowe added, “Everyone can see what’s happened in Limerick with developments outside of the city. It’s dying on its knees and that should be a guideline for Clare.” Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes agreed that an update is needed and he urged the matter to be taken up at regional level.
In response to Councillor Flynn’s motion, Gordon Daly, senior planner, outlined that the Retail Strategy for the Mid-West Region 2010-2016 was finalised in December 2009, with all the figures in the report dated from the baseline of March 2009.
“The Retail Strategy in its preparation both recognised and anticipated the worsening economic conditions,” he stated.
Mr Daly went on to state while it is acknowledged that the data on which the strategy has been based is evolving, as it would for any strategy, what is considered essential is that the strategy remains relevant and robust and serves the needs of County Clare.
He stated, “The Mid-West Retail Strategy 2010-2016 places a particular emphasis on the town centres of Ennis, Shannon and Kilrush and recognises the need to ensure adequate provision is made for all aspects of retail, including convenience, comparison and retail warehousing. It also provides for the appropriate retail growth of other key towns in the county, such as Ennistymon, Killaloe and Scariff.”
He went on to state the strategy recognises the importance of areas serving large rural hinterlands, quoting from the document, “to be able to regenerate and improve their retail centres to ensure they continue to provide attractive, modern facilities capable of providing a good range and quality of retail services to local people. Such development not only enhances the vitality and viability of the town centres but contributes to the principles of sustainable development, improves social inclusion and secures the benefits achieved through competition.”
The strategy also recognises that in the “smaller rural centres in County Clare, a positive approach to promoting new small-scale development should be pursued to ensure local people have access to shopping facilities, which will meet their day-to-day needs.”
He concluded that the Retail Planning Guidelines for planning authorities are also essential for guiding policy and decision-making on retail planning and these are currently under review by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.