Ikea gets permission for Ballymun store

An Bord Pleanála has granted permission to Ikea to build an outlet in Ballymun, Dublin under a number of conditions.

The proposed development, on 12.6 hectares close to the Ballymun Road junction of the M50, was granted permission by Fingal County Council last October.

This was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by seven parties, including the National Roads Authority. The NRA had serious concerns about the implications of the proposed 30,000sq metre superstore on the M50.

In its ruling today, An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the development under a number of conditions.

First among these was that a number of improvements to the Ballymun Interchange of the M50, the Ballymun Road and the Santry Avenue junction must be "fully completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority".

Ikea has said the store will be ready to open by August, 2008. While the NRA has said the M50 upgrade will not be completed until 2009, a spokeswoman for Ikea said it is expected the section near Ballymun will be finished by next summer, enabling the store to open as planned.

Ikea has also been ordered to provide and operate a shuttle bus service between its store and Ballymun Town Centre linking with public transport services.

"This shuttle bus service shall be a fully wheelchair accessible service and shall operate throughout the opening hours of the proposed development at intervals of not greater than 20 minutes," An Bord Pleanala said.

Ikea must operate a paid parking system, with almost 2,000 parking spaces. A limit has been imposed on the number of vehicles that will be allowed to enter and exit this car park.

The shop will not be allowed to open before 11.00am to minimise traffic disruption. It must also stay open until 10.00pm from Monday to Friday, 8.00pm on Saturday and 7.00pm on Sundays and bank holidays. The store must operate a home delivery service to enable customers to use public transport.

In its first year of operation, Ikea will not be allowed to hold its gala opening  during the annual Dublin traffic management Operation Free Flow in a bid to prevent traffic disruption.

Permission was refused for a 136 metre long logo sign on the roof of the building. Ikea was also ordered to seek planning permission for any advertising hoardings on the site. Recycling facilities must also be provided on site.

Finally, Ikea was ordered to make an unspecified "financial contribution" to Fingal County Council towards the cost of the construction of Metro North and improving roads around its store.

Ikea welcomed the approval of its plans and said that it will "quickly review the conditions". The company confirmed its commitment to best environmental policies, saying it will that invest €1.75 million to ensure 44 per cent of its total energy supply will be created by renewable sources.

Ballymun Regeneration said the development will create 500 jobs and provide "leverage" to attract other employers to the area.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the Ikea store would stimulate competition and drive down inflation costs to consumers.