Larger Retail Warehouses Are "Right Fit For Dublin"

Chamber Supports Increase in Retail Warehouse Size Rules

The rules governing the size of IKEA-style large retail warehouses should be altered to allow significantly larger stores, as a means of combating inflation, according to the Dublin Chamber.

In its submission to the Government's review of the Retail Planning Guidelines, as they apply to retail warehouses, the Chamber is strongly recommending that the current limit on store size of 6,000 sq. meters is increased to a maximum of no greater than 10,000 sq. meters. The increase in store size regulations should attract new entrants into retailing, stimulating competition, lowering prices and increasing employment levels.

The submission further recommends that any new retail warehouses should not be allowed near the M50, as further developments would only serve to exacerbate congestion levels along the city's orbital motorway. Additionally, these large retail warehouses should be the exception and not the norm for development of retail in Dublin.

Dublin Chamber Chief Executive Gina Quin commented "Having studied the likely effects of larger retail warehouse sizes on retail market competition, Dublin city centre and traffic in the Dublin region, we are confident that this rule change should have positive benefits for both consumers and the retail sector and retail jobs."

She continued, "We do not envision a large number of retail premises over 6000 sq feet being developed, but a limited number of such developments would appear to be the 'right fit for Dublin'".