'Super casino' in Cork suburb gets go ahead after rejection by council
Seán McCárthaigh
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved the conversion of a former gym in the Cork suburb of Ballincollig into a “super casino” despite the development originally being refused planning permission by Cork City council.
The Commission upheld an appeal by Coalquay Leisure Limited, made against the decision by the local authority to reject its application for a change of use of a former fitness centre at Westside Retail Park in Ballincollig into a gaming and amusement arcade.
Subject to compliance with a number of planning conditions, the Commission said the proposed development would be in accordance with the zoning of the site and the policies and objectives of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028.
It ruled that the change of use to a 347.5 square metre gaming and amusement arcade would be “a permissible form of commercial leisure development at an appropriate location in Ballincollig”.
Coalquay Leisure operates a number of “Goldrush Casinos” around the country, including locations in Dublin, Cork, Naas, Ennis and Wexford.
The Commission said the provision of a gaming and amusement arcade would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of other properties in the vicinity and would counter vacant commercial units in the area.
Among the conditions is a restriction that does not permit the arcade to operate between 1am and 9am.
The Commission rejected the recommendation of its own planning inspector that the closing time should be 11pm instead of 1am.
Cork City Council had refused planning permission for the conversion of the unit into a gaming and amusement arcade on the basis that it would not satisfactorily integrate with existing retail units in Westside Retail Park.
Council planners noted the “adult-orientated nature” of the business and its proximity to existing shops like Aldi, Regatta Great Outdoors, Maxi Zoo and Mr Price, which they described as “intrinsically family friendly.”
The local authority said the location of the proposed arcade with negligible levels of incident footfall and inadequate levels of passive surveillance, particularly at night time, was considered “to have a high potential for nuisance in the immediate vicinity.”
It also claimed the proximity of a large amusement centre close to an existing one would represent an excessive concentration of such types of use in the area.
A total of 22 third-party observations, including a large number from residents of nearby roads and estates, were submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The proposed development was described by some objectors as a “super casino”, and they expressed concern about what would become Munster’s largest casino being located near schools and residential areas.
They warned that it could increase the risk of undesirable behaviours, including crime, disturbance and littering.
Locals also claimed the proposed hours of operation were not justified, wholly unsuitable and inappropriate.
In its appeal, Coldquay Leisure claimed the council had failed to consider its policies and objectives supporting the night-time economy.
The company also claimed council planners had not acknowledged the role of commercial leisure and entertainment venues in ensuring urban centres remained vibrant throughout the day and evening, as well as helping to avoid vacant units and adding to the variety of uses for communities.
It observed that the former fitness centre also had extended opening hours, was adult-oriented, and did not integrate with other retail units in the area.
Coolquay Leisure claimed the council’s ruling seems to be based on personal preference, local opposition, and an impression of an undesirable use rather than actual evidence.
It pointed out that retail units in Westside Retail Park were no more intrinsically family-friendly than shops on Ballincollig’s Main Street, which operated alongside adult-oriented pubs, bookmakers and a casino.
