The Government has begun a limited review of the Retail Planning Guidelines that limit maximum floor area of gross retail floorspace for large-scale single retail warehouse developments to 6,000 square metres.
"The guidelines were intended to ensure that the principles of sustainable land use development would apply to the future development of the retail sector in Ireland, while a competitive retail sector benefiting the consumer would also be facilitated," the Minister for the Environment, Mr Martin Cullen, said.
"While I am generally satisfied that the guidelines are operating satisfactorily, concerns have been expressed about the impact of the cap on Retail Warehouses on competition".
Following this period of consultation, the Government will assess any comments received - which will be taken into account before any modifications are made to the guidelines.