Traffic plan in place as IKEA opens in Belfast

Special traffic arrangements are being put in place today for the opening of Ireland's first IKEA store in Belfast.

Thousands of people, including many from the Republic, are expected to show up for the opening of the massive outlet.

Two years ago, five people had to be taken to hospital when the Scandinavian furniture retailer opened its London store.

A year before that, three people were crushed to death in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when the company offered free credit vouchers.

Up to 6,000 motorists are expected to travel to the Belfast store today, but only 2,000 parking spaces are available and the opening is expected to cause major traffic disruption.