Log-cutting marks Ikea Dublin opening

The Republic’s first Ikea store opened in Ballymun today with a traditional log-cutting ceremony outide the main door door.

Staff applauded the approximately 500 customers who had queued outside the retailing giant’s store in Ballymun, off the M50, since early this morning.

Shoppers were entertained by an Abba tribute band, stilt-walkers and jugglers before the doors opened. Local entertainment acts including the Ballymun Munch Group marching band and Irish dancers from the Baldance Academy also performed.

Customers reported minimal traffic access problems. Gardaí, Fingal County Council and Ikea have implemented a traffic management plan to deal with the large number of vehicles expected in the first week. The store is also being served by 13,13A and 140 Dublin Bus routes from the city centre.

The upgrading of the M50 interchange at Ballymun - one of the many conditions required under the planning permission - will not be complete until October.

Dublin store manager Garry Deakin has said there will be no price differences from its Belfast store.

When Ikea’s Belfast store opened in December 2007 some 2,500 people visited during its first hour of business. Hundreds of shoppers also flocked from the Republic each week.

About 500 people will be employed at the Dublin store, which is over 31,800 square metres in size and boasts 9,000 home furnishings, a 550-seater restaurant, food hall and creche. It has 1,850 car parking spaces. It is expected to attract some 2.75 million visitors in its first year.

Ikea has 301 stores in 36 countries worldwide. The company said 585 million people visited a store last year.