By Cian Manning

1st DECEMBER 1966: the first shopping centre in Ireland, Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre in South County Dublin, was opened by Seán Lemass. Designed by John Costello, the amenity (110,000 square feet) was constructed by G & T Crampton (with work involving 50 contractors and over 400 personnel on site). Costello envisioned a completely self-contained unit comprising two pedestrianised streets, partially covered, leading to a central landscaped square. Facilities would include parking for 600 cars, a free nursery and a restaurant. Initially, it included three supermarkets, Lipton’s, Power’s and Quinnsworth. As part of opening Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre, Lemass unveiled ‘The Fiddler’ sculpture designed by Imogen Stuart. Also in attendance was 1966 Irish Eurovision contestant, Dickie Rock, who was mobbed for autographs.

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