Plans to locate a gaming arcade in the village of Finglas in north Dublin have been met with widespread opposition.
Locals say they are concerned it could cause harm to the already disadvantaged area and have appealed Dublin City Council's decision to grant planning permission for the development to An Bord Pleanála.
Finglas has a history dating back to the 10th century and has been a suburb of Dublin since the 1700s.
Like many areas in recent times, Finglas village has experienced much decline. As a result, most new businesses are welcomed to the area.
However politicians, doctors, locals and community groups all submitted objections to a gaming arcade being opened in the area.
Philomena Byrne Murphy of Finglas Tidy Towns said she believes the area deserves better.
"Most of the community are disappointed, feel Finglas definitely does not need a gaming arcade. We're striving to build the village up but our worries are that it's on Main Street right beside the doctor's surgery, funeral homes, it just doesn't gel in with the village street."
"We need restaurants for night time for people to come into the village. And we need a youth centre. We're trying to promote businesses to come in and I think this will affect businesses coming into the village.
"I think the people of Finglas deserve more variety of businesses and cafes and shops. We'd like to see a cultural place as well for people to come and we could use it between us all. I think the people deserve better."
Last year a similar development proposed for Dolphin's Barn was turned down. Politicians from across the political spectrum think the same should happen in Finglas.
Fianna Fáil Councillor, Keith Connolly, who was among those who objected said he believes the decision by Dublin City Council goes against the spirit of its own development plan for the city.
"We were surprised to see it passed by Dublin City Council planners because in the development plan, actually it states that there'll be a presumption against gaming arcades, adult shops and bookmakers.
"But despite this, the plans are still given approval, which is very disappointing. A similar decision was actually given permission in 2012 in Finglas village and on appeal, An Bord Pleanála actually rejected [it] then so we hope that would happen [in] this case.
"There are four bookmakers in the village, and I have no problem with having a bet, it's part of our culture. But I do think having just a gaming facility, no skill required, opening hours 10 till 10, in an area with a youth club, near a school, church and apartments above it. It's not what our village needs and wants," he said.
Addiction is an issue in the area and service providers say an arcade will only make that worse.
Deborah Morgans, CEO Finglas Addiction Support Team, which was one of a number of support services to lodge an objection says opposition to the arcade is a moral issue.
"We see first hand the devastation that gambling addiction brings. We often see spikes in presentations for our services after certain events like Cheltenham. That tells us that gambling and drug and alcohol addiction, specifically cocaine, really go hand in hand.
"The presence of a gambling and gaming arcade really is going to increase that problem for us, and it will increase the opportunity for people to actually continue," she said.
In their planning application, the developers said an arcade would enhance vitality, economic activity and footfall in Finglas village.
It also said it will support local businesses and help improve the issue of dereliction in the area.
It said its plan to operate from 10am to 10pm daily will accommodate "a wide range of customer needs throughout the day".
And it said it will create significant employment opportunities, including the creation of eight full-time jobs upon completion, contributing to the local economy and community.
The developers have not responded to a request for comment about the latest objections.
