Almost 1,300 sign petition against gaming arcade in Cork town

A petition opposing an arcade in Ballincollig, which was recently granted permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála, has garnered almost 1,300 signatures.

In June 2024, Cork City Council refused permission for the gaming arcade at Unit 4, Westside Retail Park, but An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned this decision last week, and granted permission to Coalquay Leisure Ltd to open the facility, which will be open from 9am to 1am daily.

This was despite strong local objection, with over 50 submissions received when the plans were before council and a further 22 sent into the planning commission, saying the development would “increase the risk of undesirable behaviours, crime, disturbance, littering” and 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 and economically benefitting the area.

The petition on Change.org, which had 1,293 signatures by Monday of this week was set up by Ballincollig resident Emer Murphy, who said: 

“I am a Ballincollig resident. I was born here and witnessed my parents help to build our wonderful town.

“Ballincollig is a wonderful place to live ... our beautiful park ... our charming ' village'. Today I learned that permission has been granted for a large gaming arcade in our town. Our town does not need this and many do not want this.” 

The petition comes as plans for a similar facility in Bandon were withdrawn last month.

Cork County Council had granted planning permission to Leeside Leisure Centre Ltd for the change of use of a former bar in Bandon to a gaming amusement arcade complex, but following local objection and a protest attended by 400 people, the application was withdrawn.