Ikea M50 outlet plan to be put to test at oral hearing
An Bord Pleanála confirmed yesterday it would allow objectors including the National Roads Authority to put their case at a meeting on March 20.
In October Fingal County Council granted planning permission, with more than two dozen conditions, for the Swedish furniture giant to open the massive outlet in Ballymun.
If it gets the go ahead the investment in the locality, one in much need of regeneration, would be worth €150 million and create 500 jobs. It has been contested on the grounds that it would compound the problems already faced by motorists on the gridlocked M50.
The NRA was one of seven parties to appeal against the initial decision to grant planning permission stating there were serious concerns about the knock-on effect the store would have on the M50.
The body believes the guaranteed high number of shoppers trying to get to the outlet will lead to tailbacks and traffic jams backing on to the motorway.
Treasury Holdings, which is redeveloping the old Ballymun shopping centre, said Ikea could have a significant negative impact on the road network.
Tesco Ireland also made a submission in relation to traffic concerns.
The County Council attached around 30 conditions to its approval of the Ballymun development, which Ikea said it was confident it could meet.
One of the conditions set out is that the M50 upgrade be completed, or at least works to the Ballymun Interchange and surrounding roads, before Ikea opens.
Consequently, the earliest likely date any Ballymun outlet could open is December 2008 or early 2009.
The store, set on a 12.7 hectare site in the Ballymun Regeneration Zone, will carry almost 10,000 products with a unique layout allowing customers to view over 50 fully furnished room and home layouts.
The oral hearing will take place on March 20 at 2pm in the CG Hotel, (formerly the Great Southern) at Dublin Airport.
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