Sligo councillors defer decision on gaming



Councillors for the Borough District of Sligo have deferred making a decision on a controversial motion in relation to gaming until their next meeting in two months time.

The councillors made the decision at their meeting this (Monday) morning in relation to a proposal to adopt Part 3 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act and consider submissions received following public consultation.

This proposal has generated conflicting views and reactions among the public.

One claims the move would open the way for more gaming and gambling in Sligo.

However, it’s also been argued that councillors cannot stand over the current situation because it could be ‘discriminatory’.

This morning, Independent Socialist Councillor Declan Bree told the Borough District meeting that he did not think any councillor wished to see gambling and gaming halls open up all over Sligo.

But he said what they wanted to do was allow the two gambling establishments that exist already — at Shore Road in Strandhill and at Ted Nealon Road in Sligo town — to continue.

He pointed out there have been no complaints about either of these.

Fianna Fail Councillor Tom MacSharry said he was against adopting Part 3 and he wondered if they could adopt part of the legislation.

He also asked if an application for a gambling venue was refused, could the applicant appeal to An Bord Pleanala and then go into the District Court and get a licence.

Cllr MacSharry said in that situation the floodgates would be opened.

Sinn Fein Councillor Arthur Gibbons supported Cllr Bree, saying all they were trying to do was guarantee the existence of two businesses that are already in existence and protect the jobs there.

He also said €100m had been given by the government for horse racing and greyhound racing, and he thought there was no difference between any sort of gambling.

Fine Gael Councillor Sinead Maguire said she was not sure what the councillors could or could not adopt.

However, she said she found it difficult to support anything in relation to gambling.

Solidarity People Before Profit Councillor Gino O Boyle said he didn’t think the council could shut one of the existing gaming venues and leave the other open as a monopoly.

Cllr Bree said his concern was that the two existing operations be allowed continue and that both be treated equally.

The discussion concluded with agreement that councillors ‘indicate the intention to commence the process’ of adopting Part 3 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act for Shore Road in Strandhill and for Ted Nealon Road in Sligo town.

That intention will now be readvertised for public consultation, with councillors due to discuss the issue again at their meeting in May.



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