Dublin People - NRA denies blame for IKEA opening delay

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NRA denies blame for IKEA opening delay

Thursday, 07 August 2008

THE National Roads Authority (NRA) has revealed that it has no intention of accelerating its works project on the M50 to facilitate the opening of the new IKEA store in Ballymun.
The NRA also told Northside People that, contrary to reports, the opening of IKEA, located on lands bordering the motorway and St Margaret’s Road, has not been delayed because of the works.
According to condition two of its planning approval, the IKEA store cannot open until the M50 works are completed. As a result the 31,800 sq mt building will lay finished but idle for at least seven months.
According to a spokesperson for the Swedish furniture giant, the distinctive blue and yellow flagship store will be ready to open its doors early next year.
“IKEA can confirm that construction of the Dublin store will be completed in January ’09 and ready to open for business in February,” it was stated.
“We are hopeful that the relevant roadworks on the M50 can be completed to enable the store to open as soon as possible after that date.
“IKEA is in ongoing discussions with the NRA and is hopeful of a mutually satisfactory outcome.”

The spokesperson stressed that the company had a good relationship with the NRA.
“Obviously if the works go on for a foreseeable length of time, we would be quite unhappy,” he added.
But Michael Egan, spokesperson for the NRA, responded: “IKEA seems to be suggesting that the road project is leading to a delay in the opening of its store.
“However, the works are on schedule for completion in the early second half of 2009.
“IKEA have known for a considerable time that the works would be completed in that timeframe.
“The pace in which IKEA constructed their building is a matter for them. We cannot be blamed for the fact that their building is ready before it can be opened.”
Mr Egan was adamant that the NRA would not be pressurised into accelerating its M50 works.
“If we move too early to facilitate IKEA it would have a significant knock-on effect for the rest of the M50,” he explained.
“The taxpayers are the priority of the NRA, not private companies.”
He added: “IKEA have gone into this with their eyes open; they knew that under the planning conditions they would never be allowed to open for business until the M50 project is completed.”
Over 450 jobs will be created by the opening of the store. However, IKEA cannot advertise the posts until an opening date is confirmed with the NRA.
It is understood that the cost of the new store, which is bigger than its Belfast outlet, is between e105 and e110 million.
The store will include a 500-seat restaurant, a bistro, a cafe and a Swedish food hall as well as a free crèche.
It will have more than 1,500 parking spaces and will carry almost 10,000 products.
Despite the economic downturn, IKEA is confident that the store will attract 2.75 million customers in its first year in business.

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