Efforts to ascertain a playing arcade on Ballyfermot Road have reignited tensions within the west Dublin suburb, as residents and native representatives specific deep frustration over the most recent try to redevelop the previous butcher store at 304 Ballyfermot Road. Although a earlier planning utility from Ger Ryan was withdrawn after robust native objection, a near-identical proposal has since been filed underneath the title Alejandro Garcia, leaving many feeling that their issues are being dismissed.
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan mentioned he “couldn’t believe it” when he discovered {that a} recent submission had been lodged. “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 mentioned, in response to the Irish Independent.
Doolan reiterated to residents that the renewed utility marks the third try inside a month to deliver an arcade to the location, emphasizing that such a enterprise “has nothing to offer this community.” He—and lots of within the space—believes Ballyfermot wants outlets and providers that profit households, not further playing shops.
Locals Mobilize to Halt the Proposal
A packed assembly of residents gathered on the Ballyfermot Civic Centre as Sinn Féin hosted a public dialogue to clarify the planning course of and the implications of the arcade utility. Doolan mentioned the occasion was step one in a broader marketing campaign involving colleges, youth providers, native medication initiatives, and gardaí to exhibit the energy of opposition. He additionally warned that vigilance shall be wanted to make sure that An Coimisiún Pleanála doesn’t later reinstate a rejected determination.
“Gambling has nothing to offer this community. I have seen gambling bring whole families to their knees,” he mentioned. “Gambling addiction brings nothing but misery and debt to families and their communities.”
He added that Ballyfermot already has an extra of betting outlets: “We have too many bookies and betting shops here in Ballyfermot. It is time for us to say enough is enough.”
Doolan additionally raised issues concerning the influence on younger individuals in a working-class neighborhood already accustomed to dependancy challenges. He warned that having an arcade positioned centrally amongst colleges, church buildings, and drug help providers will increase the chance of hurt. “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 mentioned.
City Development Plan at Center of Dispute
Green Party councillor Ray Cunningham additionally objected to the proposal, highlighting that playing institutions are usually not permitted on this zoning class. “The reason why gambling establishments are not permissible uses in [Zone 4] areas, is that these establishments are a plague on communities,” he wrote.
However, the planning assertion submitted by Coakley O’Neill Planning argues that the event would profit the native economic system by bringing a long-vacant unit again into use. The agency said that the challenge would “respond to a recent trend in closures in the local area,” referencing a few shuttered bingo venues, Gala Bingo Hall and Win-Win Bingo. According to the assertion, the arcade would generate seven full-time jobs at launch, with further employment supported through the fit-out section.
“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 doc mentioned.
At the identical time, the agency acknowledged that the town growth plan presumes towards finding gaming arcades close to colleges and church buildings—of which each exist simply east of the proposed website.
As the December 10 submission deadline approaches, neighborhood organizers plan to “consolidate the campaign” and encourage residents to make their objections heard. Doolan summed up the prevailing sentiment on the public assembly: “Ballyfermot needs decent quality retail outlets that actually bring something to the economy of the area.”
