Green light for Nenagh gaming centre
Concern that ‘women and children will suffer’
Tipperary Co Council has granted conditional planning permission for a gaming centre in Nenagh, despite a local resident’s concern that women and children would suffer if the plan went ahead.
Coalquay Leisure Ltd has received permission to change the use of an existing commercial shop unit (formerly Quik Pick) on Silver St to gaming centre on the ground floor. The Cork-based company, which operates a number of gaming and amusement arcades around the country, has also received permission to provide ancillary storage space on the first floor, alterations to the existing front elevation and erection of associated signage.
The application drew two local objections, one in the name of Daniel Stapleton, who questioned whether Nenagh needed another business of the type outlined. “My objection is based on the grounds of overconcentration and the potential proliferation of this specific use class within the local area, which would be detrimental to the character, balance and long-term sustainability of the neighbourhood,” Mr Stapleton told the council.
“There is already a notable presence of [for example, betting shops / hot food takeaways / licensed premises] within close proximity to application site. Allowing further development of this kind risks creating an imbalance in the local community.”
Among other concerns, Mr Stapleton feared the gaming centre would lead to increased demand for waste management, parking or antisocial behaviour responses, placing a strain on already limited local resources. He also warned of negative impact on residential amenity: “The proposed use may increase noise, late-night disturbance, and general activity levels, especially where there are already several similar uses operating in the vicinity.”
GAMBLING A ‘DISEASE’
Another objection in the name of David Field expressed similar concerns. “We do not need another gambling hall,” he wrote in his submission to Tipperary Co Council.
“If passed, women and children will suffer. If you say no, it will help women and children.
“Gambling is not a business,” Mr Field submitted. “It is a disease, and you hold the cure.”
The council’s planning report on the case stated that a site inspection was carried out. “The presence of betting shops, hot food takeaways and licenced premises in this general location were noted,” the report stated. “These are uses which can be expected in a town centre location.Furthermore, a high concentration of residential units was not observed. It is considered, following the site inspection, that the proposal would not give rise to an overconcentration of gaming centres. Subject to a number of suitability worded planning conditions relating to operating hours, it is concluded that the proposed use can be accepted at this location.”
The council granted permission subject to a number of conditions, including a stipulation that the opening hours of the gaming centre be restricted to 9am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday.