Plans for large casino in Cork rejected over 'high potential for nuisance'

The company, which described itself in planning documents as “experienced operators” of gaming and amusement arcades around the country, had applied for planning to develop a large casino in the town’s Westside Retail Park.

It sought permission for the change of use of a vacant unit in the retail park, which used to house the former Fehily’s Fitness centre, to a gaming and amusement arcade.

In its planning application, the company said it operated ‘Goldrush Casinos’ in Cork, Dublin and various town centres, including Carlow, Naas, Ennis, Athy and Wexford, and it said all of these premises “operate successfully and positively contribute to a broad mix of uses” in these urban centres.

But there was a strong local campaign against the proposed development in Ballincollig, with an anonymous letter distributed locally urging people to object. Dozens of people lodged formal objections.

In its planning decision, revealed today by the Irish Examiner, planners said having regard to the pattern of development in the area, it is considered the proposed development, by virtue of the adult-orientated nature of the use and proximity to existing retail outlets that are intrinsically family friendly, constitutes a use which would not satisfactorily integrate with the existing retail offering, resulting in serious injury to Westside Retail Park and existing retail occupiers.

“The location of the proposed development away from primary and secondary throughfares, with negligible levels of incidental footfall and inadequate levels of passive surveillance, particularly during later hours, is considered to have a high potential for nuisance in the immediate vicinity,” they said.

“It is considered that the proposed amusement centre by virtue of scale and proximity to another amusement centre represents an excessive concentration of this use type in the area, would conflict with the long-term strategic regeneration of the area, would seriously injure the amenities of the area and would therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.” 

The decision can be appealed.

Decision 'a big win for Ballincollig'

Newly elected Sinn Féin city councillor in the South West ward, Joe Lynch, who was among those to object to the development, hailed the planning decision as “a big win” for the town.

“There were no discernible community benefits to this proposal. On the contrary, there were only negatives,” he said.

“This is a big win for Ballincollig, and I know the many people who have raised this issue with me on the doorsteps in recent weeks will be very glad to hear that common sense has prevailed.

“Fair play to everyone who lodged objections; there is real strength in community, and this is a win for us all.”