Efforts to open a gambling arcade on Ballyfermot Road have reignited tensions in this Dublin suburb, with locals and representatives expressing frustration over new plans to redevelop the former butcher shop at 304 Ballyfermot Road. Previously, a planning application by Ger Ryan was withdrawn due to strong opposition, but a similar proposal has now been filed under Alejandro Garcia’s name, leading residents to feel that their concerns are being ignored.
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan expressed disbelief upon hearing of the fresh submission. “When the last one was rejected on a technicality, I thought great. But then to hear about it again, I was frustrated, I was angry. But you have to channel that energy into something positive,” he told the Irish Independent.
Doolan reminded residents that this marks the third attempt within a month to establish an arcade there, stressing that such a business “has nothing to offer this community.” Many agree, believing Ballyfermot needs shops and services that benefit families rather than more gambling outlets.
Locals gathered at the Ballyfermot Civic Centre for a meeting hosted by Sinn Féin to discuss the planning process and the arcade proposal’s implications. Doolan described the event as the first step in a wider campaign involving schools, youth services, local drugs projects, and gardaí to highlight opposition strength. He also emphasized the need for vigilance to ensure An Coimisiún Pleanála doesn’t overturn a rejected decision.
“Gambling has nothing to offer this community. I have seen gambling bring whole families to their knees,” he stated. “Gambling addiction brings nothing but misery and debt to families and their communities.”
Doolan added that Ballyfermot already has too many betting shops: “We have too many bookies and betting shops here in Ballyfermot. It is time for us to say enough is enough.”
He also voiced concerns about the impact on young people in a working-class community already battling addiction issues. Having an arcade centrally located among schools, churches, and drug support services raises the risk of harm. “We don’t want any part of this in Ballyfermot. We want to move away from that toward a bright future, rather than become a haven for gambling,” he said.
Green Party councillor Ray Cunningham also opposed the proposal, noting that gambling establishments aren’t allowed under this zoning. “The reason why gambling establishments are not permissible uses in [Zone 4] areas, is that these establishments are a plague on communities,” he commented.
However, Coakley O’Neill Planning argued that the development would benefit the local economy by filling a long-vacant unit. The firm claimed the project would “respond to a recent trend in closures in the local area,” noting the closure of Gala Bingo Hall and Win-Win Bingo, and that the arcade would create seven full-time jobs upon opening.
“This would help to retain and revitalize the mixed-use character of the area while also animating the public realm by contributing to an animated streetscape within a retail and commercial core,” the planning document stated.
The firm acknowledged that the city development plan discourages locating gaming arcades near schools and churches, which are present just east of the proposed site.
As the December 10 submission deadline nears, community organizers plan to “consolidate the campaign” and urge residents to voice their objections. Doolan summarized the prevailing sentiment at the public meeting: “Ballyfermot needs decent quality retail outlets that actually bring something to the economy of the area.”
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com