In 2012, Cork County Council and Cork City Council engaged Consultants to conduct a Retail Study and prepare a Joint Retail Strategy for the Metropolitan Area of Cork, as required by the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities. The Study assessed retail activity and demand needs across the area. The Strategy informed the respective Development Plans of each Council, including shared principles such as a hierarchy of retail centres, broad quantums, location and function of retail development needs over the period. Cork City Council incorporated retail development objectives in the Development Plan in order to determine retail planning applications and secure the implementation of the strategy.