An attempt is being made to set up ANOTHER gambling club in Letterkenny, Donegal Daily can reveal.
A planning application to the local town council is looking to change a bookmaker’s shop in the town into a casino.
The Gold Club Private Members Club is looking for a change of use at 54 Upper Main Street.
The application comes as local town councillor Gerry McMonagle has already expressed serious concern about applications for such clubs.
Another application has been made to set up a gaming arcade at the old Gleneany House Hotel on the town’s Port Road.
Cllr McGonagle is to bring a motion before next Monday’s town meeting to discuss the issue.
The motion asks councillors to uphold its policy in relation to gaming machines arcades and refuses any planning applications for gaming arcades in Letterkenny.
Cllr McMonagle said he has serious concerns against such clubs and arcades, both private and public, being allowed to be set up.
“We should not be encouraging this kind of thing. Gambling arcades and private members clubs is not what a town like Letterkenny needs.
“Let’s be honest about it – gambling does not bring happiness to people and we saw that in Donegal in the 1980s.
“I will be expressing my concern to the council on Monday and I will be hoping for the support of my council colleagues,” he said.
There are currently up to four casinos and gaming arcades in Letterkenny.
Cllr McMonagle said he will be contacting Gardai to examine if all have proper licenses to operate.
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