Gambling arcade plan rejected in Ballyfermot

Dublin City Council has rejected planning permission for a proposed gambling arcade on Ballyfermot Road following opposition from residents and community groups in the area.

The decision was welcomed by Sinn Féin city councillor Daithí Doolan, who organised a campaign against the development.

“The decision by Dublin City Council to reject planning permission for a gambling arcade in Ballyfermot is a victory for common sense and this whole community,” he said. “The plans for a gambling arcade in Ballyfermot were never going to be supported by the public.”

Cllr Doolan said the campaign included a public meeting and the mobilisation of residents, youth services and community groups, which resulted in a detailed objection being submitted to Dublin City Council.

“Following a very successful public meeting we launched a campaign. We mobilised residents, youth services and community groups and submitted a detailed objection to the plan for this gambling arcade. It is great to see Dublin City Council taking on board our concerns and rejecting this plan,” he said.

He said the decision had been welcomed locally but warned that similar proposals had emerged before.

“The news has been welcomed by residents who campaigned against the plan. We need to remain vigilante, we have been here before with this plan. I hope this time the plan is thrown in the rubbish bin and never sees the light of day again,” he said.

Cllr Doolan said there was already a high concentration of gambling outlets in the area and that residents wanted to see alternative uses for the vacant unit.

“Gambling has nothing good to offer any other community. We have enough bookies, and betting shops in Ballyfermot. We want this retail unit to be opened up as a shop, sports outlet, or a restaurant,” he said.