THE answer to that question from lovers of cheap 'n' chic Scandinavian design, namely: 'When is IKEA opening in Ballymun?' could possibly be as early as summer 2007. That's if there are no objections to Fingal County Council's planning consent, announced earlier this week, for the building of the "rst IKEA store in Ireland.

The Swedish furniture retailing giant lodged an application last February for the construction of a 30,000sq m store on a 12.7 hectare site forming part of the Ballymun Regeneration Zone. The store will carry almost 10,000 products and will provide a unique layout, allowing customers to view over 50 fully furnished room and home layouts showing the IKEA range in place.

And that's not all . . . in keeping with Scandinavia's eco-conscious reputation, the new store will be adopting high standards of environmental management at the Dublin store, including energy ef"ciency levels which will be considerably ahead of anything currently being built in Ireland, according to project manager Theresa Daly. "IKEA is to invest 1.75m in the installation of a geothermal unit which will be the most signi"cant investment in ground source technology in the Irish market. Forty four per cent of its total energy will come from renewable sources. The system will result in a 65% annual reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 300 average family homes."

So not only cut price furniture . . . a low cost to the environment too!

IAVI CALLS FOR REFORM OF STAMP DUTY

REGULATION of the auctioneering profession was one of the topics addressed by John Dawson in his speech at the annual president's lunch for the IAVI on Friday. Guests included Minister of State, Tom Parlon, British MP Kenneth Clarke, and Thomas Lynch, director designate of the proposed National Property Services Regulatory Authority. An issue of concern was the way in which the review group's recommendations were "strategically positioned in the media and by the government, " said Dawson.

"It was written in what might be termed 'consumerese' and more than hinted at a rogue profession being reigned in by a government intent on protecting the consumer. However, a thorough reading of the full report will show that it largely exonerated the profession on the practice issue that gave rise to the review. It praised both the IAVI and the IPAV for taking their self-regulating roles seriously, and encouraged the continuance of those roles under the new regime."

He also called for a major reform of stamp duty. "Property stamp duty yields stood at 2bn last year and any proposition to signi"cantly reduce such duty costs is to be welcomed."

LAST CALL TO APPLY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A NUMBER of two and three-bed homes under the Affordable Homes Partnership are now being advertised in newspapers and include details on how to apply to Property Path, South Dublin County Council. Prices are from 176,500 for two-beds and from 185,000 for three-beds.

Homes are available in seven locations: Blackthorn Hill, Rathcoole; Kiltipper Gate, Tallaght; Mar"eld, Tallaght; Deerpark, Tallaght; Belfry, Tallaght; Rosse Court, Lucan; and Rath Gael, Clondalkin. Those interested can visit www. propertypath. ie to download an application form, or call 01414 9362. Completed forms should be sent to Property Path, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 no later than Friday 20 October.

A LESSON IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

ANYONE in or around the Fermoy, Co Cork, area today may be interested in popping along to the Griffner Coillte showhouse, open from 11am to 4pm. Located on a two-acre site, opposite the entrance to Corrin Wood, and 3.5kms south of Fermoy, the 260 sq m(2,800 sq ft) four-bed house showcases the sustainable timber-built home. Exposed solid spruce beams on the ground-"oor ceilings are a feature of all Griffner Coilltedesigned homes, while the large glazed gable "oods the interior with natural light. A "tted kitchen with Miele appliances from the German Wellman range at Arena Kitchens enhances the contemporary design. The upstairs section is de"ned by cathedral-style ceilings with exposed ridge beams and purloins . . . another signature of the designers here. Further info on www. griffnercoillte. ie

EXPLORE DUBLIN'S HIDDEN ARCHITECTURE

IN A WEEKEND Explore the capital's architectural history next weekend, 20-22 October inclusive, when the doors of nearly 100 buildings will be open to the public.

The "rst 'Open House Dublin' event, organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation, showcases everything from the historic tenement "at at the Iveagh Trust Buildings to the boldly modern architect-owned house on Pembroke Lane to the roof-top staff restaurant at Busaras and Dublin's Liberty Hall, buildings which are not normally on view.

All events are free of charge and featured neighbourhoods include Trinity College, Temple Bar, the south city centre, the Liberties, Smith"eld, Dublin docklands, North Great Georges Street and Henrietta Street. For more information, visit www. architecturefoundation. ie or phone 01-663 3055.