Proposed gaming arcade in Ballymun slammed as 'damaging'
A proposed gaming arcade in Ballymun could have a "damaging" effect on the community. People Before Profit Councillor Conor Reddy slammed the new planning application for Unit 3, The Goulding, Santry Cross. He said: "This is not what Ballymun needs. Gaming arcades extract wealth from working-class communities while offering nothing back; no real jobs, no social value, no long-term benefit. They prey on people under pressure, especially those at risk of addiction.” Cllr Reddy added: "There are over 130,000 problem gamblers in Ireland. Each of them impacts multiple people around them. Communities like Ballymun, already struggling with the effects of inequality, cannot afford another gambling outlet parasitising our community.” His words come as just weeks ago, after similar proposal in Finglas Village was approved despite strong community opposition. He said: "It’s hard not to see this new application as a direct consequence of the Finglas decision. It sends a message that these businesses can get a green light, regardless of local concerns or planning guidelines. "Ballymun deserves proper, place-based planning. There’s a Local Area Plan and now a city-wide commitment to community wealth building. We should be supporting cooperatives, social enterprises, and initiatives that keep wealth in the area, not dumping more harm on a community that has already carried too much.” Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
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