Local residents go 'all in' to stop Ballyfermot gambling arcade planning
Ballyfermot residents and representatives are standing strong in their fervent opposition to a new gambling arcade in their community.
While previous reports stated that the planning permission request for a gambling arcade at the former McLoughlin's Butchers on Ballyfermot Road had been rescinded, another permission request has since been submitted. Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan told Dublin Live this is the third request in four weeks for an arcade that “has nothing to offer this community.”
“We want fresh fruit and food shops, sports outlets, and restaurants for Ballyfermot. We have too many bookies and betting shops here in Ballyfermot. It is time for us to say enough is enough. It is hugely important for Dublin City Council to do the right thing and reject these plans for a gambling arcade,” Cllr Doolan stated.
A public meeting with local residents took place on Monday, which Cllr Doolan stated is the first step in Sinn Fein’s plan to coordinate with schools, local drugs projects, gardai, and youth services to impress upon the Council the sheer level of opposition.
“We want to ensure the Council rejects any plans for it and remain vigilant that An Coimisiún Pleanála doesn’t overturn the decision to reject planning,” he said. With a looming closing date of December 10, Cllr Doolan wishes to "consolidate the campaign” and make residents aware of the need to “voice their opposition.”
Cllr Doolan said he met with a packed room of concerned residents at the Ballyfermot Civic Centre and the prevailing opinion was a gambling arcade is the last thing the community needs. “Ballyfermot needs decent quality retail outlets that actually bring something to the economy of the area,” he said.
While there are already bookies in Ballyfermot, Cllr Doolan stressed this is “one too many” and that it's important to “draw a line in the sand.” As a working class community that has dealt with drug and addiction problems, Cllr Doolan said having an arcade on their doorstep will only encourage young people into addiction and tempt those in active recovery.
“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.
Cllr Doolan spoke about his experiences working with addiction services and stressed that these social problems “don’t operate in isolation.” He believes the winnings from gambling can often open the door to purchasing drugs, while those who face big losses will also be tempted to soothe their frustration with drugs and alcohol.
“The community deserves better, we’re not trying to create Las Vegas in Ballyfermot,” he said. “This is bang in the middle of Ballyfermot Road surrounded by schools, places of worship, and drug projects. It’s not conductive, it shouldn’t be accepted, and it’s in breach of the city development plan.”
Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment on this issue.
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