Swedish super store may set up shop here if the cap fits

A GOVERNMENT review into the size limits imposed on large hardware and household stores could pave the way for Swedish retailer IKEA’s entry into the Irish market.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen yesterday announced a limited review of the retail planning guidelines which will focus on the cap on floor space imposed on large retail outlets. However, the review, which invites public consultation, will not include grocery stores or supermarket retailers and will instead focus on non-grocery shops such as household and hardware providers.

The planning guidelines, introduced in January 2001, limit the size of large-scale shopping units to 6,000 square metres.