Cabinet to consider 'one-off' superstore plans
Proposals to allow for one-off superstores in specially-designated urban areas are due to be brought before the cabinet today.
The plan to remove limits on the size of retail outlets in certain circumstances was drawn up in response to demands from the Swedish furniture giants Ikea.
Reports this morning said the company was planning to build a €100m outlet in the Ballymun area of Dublin if the proposal to remove planning restrictions was approved by the cabinet.
Ikea stores are generally around 28,000 square metres, but current planning laws limit the size of Irish retail outlets to 6000 square metres.
Environment Minister Dick Roche is believed to be anxious for the cabinet to decide on the issue before Christmas.
