Controversial bingo hall to open under temporary order
Omega Leisure Ltd, trading as Rock Bingo Club and based in Togher, was due to open on Tuesday, but was forced to close after gardaí raided the hall and seized all the bingo books.
The High Court heard yesterday the company had spent €750,000 fitting out the 1,000-seater hall and planned to run bingo games five nights a week.
The company last week initiated proceedings against Supt Charles Barry, the Garda Commissioner and the state. While assurances had been provided to the court on behalf of the defendants at a hearing last Saturday, it appeared Supt Barry was “sidestepping” those and had taken matters into his own hands, Constance Cassidy SC, for Omega Leisure Ltd told the High Court.
She said her client would be seeking a court declaration that its activity is lawful. The company said it is entitled to run bingo games for charities and has been issued a lottery licence for the relevant district. It said it entered an agency agreement on October 12 last with the Mercy Hospital Foundation, a charity which raises money for the Mercy University Hospital, Cork.
Under that agreement, the company will run bingo games for the charity and is entitled to a maximum 40% of proceeds.
James Barber, a director in the family-run company, said the business model it employs is recognised by the Department of Finance’s Charitable Lotteries Fund Scheme.
Supt Barry objected to lottery licence applications for charities negotiating with Omega, Mr Barber said. Those charities were Cork Penny Dinners, Harlequins Hockey Club and St Augustine Global Foundation.
Other charities — St Luke’s Home, the Church of Ireland Hockey Club and Marymount Hospice — all withdrew from negotiations with Omega after being contacted by Supt Barry, he added.
Mr Justice O’Neill yesterday granted it an interim order, returnable to Friday, restraining interference with its licensed activities.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
