Concern as refusal of Cork suburb's gaming arcade is overturned by planning board

Locals have raised concerns about a decision to overturn Cork City Council’s refusal of permission for a what has been dubbed a “super casino” in Ballincollig.

In June 2024, Cork City Council refused permission for the gaming/amusement arcade at Unit 4, Westside Retail Park, which would be open from 9am to 1am daily, saying that the “adult-orientated nature” and its proximity to existing retail outlets that are intrinsically “family-friendly” would damage other retailers. But now, An Coimisiún Pleanála has overturned the decision and given the go-ahead to the plan.

A Ballincollig resident told The Echo yesterday there was still opposition to it: “There’s no upside for the community, it’s not a business that brings joy. Who benefits from having a casino in the area, aside from the casino?

“If you have a pub, the vast majority of people who go in end up having a nice time, even if some don’t. But the casino… most who go in have a bad time.

"You’ll end up with 18-year-old lads in there, they start with a few slot machines, and it’ll progress. 

"You could lose your whole week’s pay in minutes, whereas in a pub there’s only so fast you can drink.”

Information submitted to ACP by the applicant, Coalquay Leisure Ltd, said the council’s decision “appears to be subjective, based on personal preference, impression of an undesirable use, and local opposition rather than evidence” and that this was inconsistent decision making as there are other similar operations in the city, and disagreed that there would be too many similar premises in the area.

When the plans were before the council, over 50 submissions were received, with a further 22 sent into the planning commission, saying the development would “increase the risk of undesirable behaviours, crime, disturbance, littering” and that the development would normalise gambling.

However, the Coimisiún Pleanála inspector said the proposal could contribute positively to the retail park by bringing back into use a vacant unit, complementing nearby retailers and economically benefitting the area.

In response to concerns about noise disturbance, they said all the amusement arcade activities would be indoors, and on antisocial behaviour and crime said: “The planning system cannot be used for policing purposes. Once operational, the proposal will increase levels of footfall and surveillance at the subject premises, thereby enhancing the safety and usability of this area.”

The inspector recommended that the proposed opening hours, 9am to 1am, be revised to 9am to 11pm. An Coimisiún Pleanála’s board granted permission, and permitted the later opening hours to 1am.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch said: “The city council and the community in Ballincollig have said no to this proposal, yet it is being foisted on the village.”

The Echo contacted Coalquay Leisure Ltd for comment.