Guidelines on the size of retail developments will not be in place until well into 1999. Consultation on the controversial issue is due to take place with retailers and developers early next year.

In June, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Noel Dempsey, said he was making arrangements for a study on the implications of large-scale shopping developments with a view to drawing up guidelines on the matter.

The Department of the Environment said yesterday that it had advertised for consultants to undertake the study. Those who expressed an interest have now been asked to submit proposals by September 9th. Once consultants are selected, draft guidelines will be drawn up, probably by the end of the year. A Department spokesman said that interested parties would then be consulted. "We hope to get the consultation process going very early next year," said the spokesman, "and final guidelines will be published after that."

The Minister's directive, published in June, limits the size of supermarket developments to 3,000 sq m or 32,000 sq ft of retail space. The Minister wants the study to examine what impact large-scale developments will have on areas far removed from their location.

It is expected that all large retail groups, such as Tesco, Dunnes Stores and Superquinn, as well as organisations representing small retailers, will make submissions on the study.

Industry opinion is divided on the effect the Minister's move will have. Most large retailers are taking a low-key approach and are reluctant to comment until they see the draft guidelines.

A number of current plans in the pipeline could be delayed as a result. These include provisional plans by Tesco to open a superstore alongside the Liffey Valley shopping Centre at Quarryvale in west Dublin and a 55,000 sq ft retail complex at Malahide. It also plans to open a 45,000 sq ft supermarket in the new town centre in Dundrum. Marks & Spencer was also planning a 50,000 sq ft outlet in the town centre. Superquinn is also planning to open large retail outlets in Bray and Waterford.

However, industry sources say the Minister's move is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, while it may limit those planning large stores, it has scared off other large British multiples, such as Sainsbury and Safeway, from entering the market.