A new government bill will give local councils more of a say in where pubs, off-licences and nightclubs can set up. 

The Justice Minister says that a high number of off-licences clustered together are leading to concerns over drinking in public places.

The bill would give councils and residents more of a say in where pubs, off-licences and nightclubs can set up.

Minister of State for Planning Paudie Coffey says it will give councils and residents a greater say in the planning process.

The government wants to introduce new legislation, with the provision in the Planning and Development Bill aimed at keeping off-licences from being built near historic or tourist areas of towns.

It follows controversial minimum unit pricing legislation for alcohol.

But Minister of State for Planning Paudie Coffey says the government are not trying to target the drinks industry.