Casino plan for Ballincollig still alive after appeal to An Bord Pleanála
In its refusal, Cork City Council said it had concerns about the 'adult-orientated' nature of the proposed facility and that it had a 'high potential for nuisance'. File photo: Martin Rickett/PA
Plans to build a casino in the Cork City suburb of Ballincollig are not yet dead in the water after an appeal was lodged to An Bord Pleanála to overturn a planning refusal issued by City Hall.
In documents submitted on behalf of Coalquay Leisure Ltd, it argues that local concerns over the facility are “largely based on a historical stigma rather than evidence” and that it would be an “opportunity to expand upon the existing night-time economy” in Ballincollig.
It submits that while the applicants are “experienced operators who will ensure that the proposed use has a positive impact”, it would consider that temporary permission to operate the casino for several years a good compromise.
The company, which described itself in planning documents as “experienced operators” of gaming and amusement arcades around the country, had originally applied to Cork City Council for planning to develop a large casino in the town’s Westside Retail Park.
It sought permission for a change of use to a vacant unit in the retail park, which formerly housed the Fehily’s Fitness centre, to a gaming and amusement arcade.
However, a strong local campaign was mounted against the proposed development with dozens of formal objections lodged with the council and an anonymous letter distributed locally urging people to object.
In its refusal, Cork City Council said it had concerns about the “adult-orientated” nature of the proposed facility and that it had a “high potential for nuisance”.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch was among those welcoming the rejection, calling it a “big win” for Ballincollig.
Coalquay Leisure Ltd had the option to appeal the matter further to An Bord Pleanála, and has lodged papers with the planning body seeking to overturn the City Hall decision.
Documents lodged on its behalf said: “We consider the council’s objection to the proposed development on the grounds that it's ‘adult-orientated’ in nature and would not integrate satisfactorily with the ‘intrinsically family friendly’ existing retail outlets is unfounded and not evidence-based.
“Similar age restrictions applied to the previous gym/fitness centre use. However, this does not appear to have given rise to any integration issues."
An Bord Pleanála, which is itself beset with delays in reaching planning decisions, has not yet set a target date for its decision on this appeal.
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