THE proliferation of betting offices is continuing in Kerry with An Bord Pleanála giving the green light for the retention and completion of such a facility in Rathmore.
Killarney, which is about 15km from Rathmore, already has up to 13 betting offices, leading to concerns among some politicians about the over-availability of gambling outlets.
A Kerry Co Council decision to grant planning to Rathmore Bookmakers and Tom Murphy for the proposed office was appealed to Bord Pleanála by John Coffey and Jim Collins.
Grounds for appeal included concerns about traffic, loitering, smoking and general disturbance as well as the lack of adequate car parking.
Under a local area plan for Rathmore, drawn up by the county council, the area for which the betting office is proposed had been zoned residential.
But, according to the plan, the site is "open for consideration" for other uses, including shops and public houses.
The council granted planning subject to 10 conditions.
Bord Pleanála inspector Stephen O’Sullivan pointed out the local area plan allowed for commercial development in the area proposed for the betting office.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
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