The Chair of The Competition Authority, Mr John Fingleton, has welcomed yesterday's decision by Minister for the Environment, Mr Roche, to change the Retail Planning Guidelines and has said the Authority will continue to press for similar changes in the food sector.
Mr Fingleton said that in the food sector "current retailers remain insulated from the full pressure of new entry and expansion."
Welcoming yesterday's decision he said it "is a positive move for Irish consumers and it will lead to greater choice and lower prices."
"The changes announced go some way to addressing a legacy of regulation that has left Ireland with numerous uncompetitive sectors of the economy and a widespread culture of anti-consumer behaviour."
"This will be especially welcome news for people such as new home owners who will see the greatest benefit from more competition in the household goods and related sectors."
"The Retail Planning Guidelines limited the expansion of the Irish retail sector at a time when consumer demand was growing rapidly. These restrictions undoubtedly contributed to higher inflation in the services sector of the economy."
According to a recent report of the National Competitiveness Council, Ireland ranked 14th of 16 countries for intensity of local competition. Ireland, while strong on international competition, is weak on domestic competition.