Specific policies on casinos not in city development plan
Cork City Council has agreed to review the council’s planning policy to provide more direction on the development of casinos and amusement arcades.
The council noted that “while the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 recognises commercial leisure uses, it contains no specific policies addressing the location, concentration, or social impacts of gaming arcades or casino-type uses”.
Labour Party Cllr Ciara O’Connor said a review of planning regarding casinos was necessary as they caused “addiction from an early age, and ruin lives and communities”.
The council has called for a review of planning policy to develop clearer criteria and controls for such uses; for these to be integrated into the next City Development Plan – which will begin production in 2028; and a report from the Chief Executive outlining how planning enforcement can be strengthened to ensure compliance.
The council also agreed to write to the Dáil Committee on Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to request guidance on the review.
The move comes of the back of the council writing to Coalquay Leisure Ltd, a Cork-based casino owner, over plans for an arcade and leisure centre in Ballincollig town centre.
The council called on the company not to proceed with the development.
The development was initially rejected by Cork City Council but was granted on appeal by An Comisiún Pleanála.
Cllr Joe Lynch, who proposed the motion to write to Coalquay Leisure Ltd, said while he was not against gambling, the proposed site was completely inappropriate, as it was located near a number of schools and other community amenities.
He said a constituent had shared their experience with gambling addiction with him.
“They said that had the casino been there while they were dropping kids to school, they would have quickly found themselves inside gambling. That is the reality of addiction,” he said.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.