'Super Casino' granted planning permission in Cork suburb

The development in Ballincollig had met with significant local opposition

The planning inspector assessed the development as a gaming arcade rather than a casino.

Plans for a 'super casino' in the Cork suburb of Ballincollig have been approved after the planning appeals body, An Coimisiún Pleanála, overturned a decision by Cork City Council planners to reject the development.

Coalquay Leisure Ltd lodged plans in April of 2024 with the City Council seeking permission to convert a currently vacant 520-square-meter unit, which previously operated as a gym and fitness centre, at the Westsite Retail Park, into a gaming arcade with 347.5 square meters dedicated to amusement machines on the ground floor and 172.5 square meters for storage on the mezzanine level. 

No external alterations are planned except for updated signage, and the arcade is set to operate from 9am to 1am daily. In the plans, the applicants stated they were operators of gaming/amusement arcades around the country, with ‘Goldrush Casinos’ established in Cork, Dublin, and various town centres such as Carlow, Naas, Ennis, Athy, and Wexford.

However, the plans had met with significant local opposition, with dozens of objections lodged, raising a number of concerns. In June 2024, Cork City Council refused permission for the development, citing the arcade’s “adult-oriented” nature as incompatible with the family-friendly retail park. 

They also raised concerns about its location away from main thoroughfares, predicting low footfall and inadequate passive surveillance, which could lead to nuisance, especially during late hours. The council further argued that the arcade, combined with the nearby Jaykay Leisure Casino (250 meters away), would create an excessive concentration of such uses, undermining the area’s regeneration goals.

In their appeal, Coalquay Leisure countered these claims, emphasising that the arcade would enhance the night-time economy and prevent urban decline by filling a vacant unit. They noted the arcade’s indoor nature, coupled with regulatory oversight similar to bookmakers, would minimise disturbances. 

Local residents lodged 22 submissions to the appeals body, arguing it would attract antisocial behaviour, litter, and crime, while clashing with Ballincollig’s family-oriented character. Concerns were raised about its proximity to schools, a church, and residential areas, with some labelling it a “super casino.” 

However, a planning inspector dismissed claims of excessive concentration, noting that Ballincollig, with a population of more than 19,000, would have only one or two such premises, unlike Cork City’s 11 gaming venues. They also said the arcade would diversify Ballincollig’s leisure offerings, reactivate a vacant unit, and would not negatively impact adjacent retailers. The inspector also assessed the development as a gaming arcade rather than a casino. They recommended that planning permission be granted, but that the opening hours would be restricted to 11pm at night.

The appeals board agreed with the inspector's report to grant permission but allowed the 1am closing time, which they considered reasonable.