This is an issue of huge concern to a large number of residents in the Navan Road, Blackhorse Avenue and Cabra areas. There has been a rumour abroad of late concerning an EU directive which will make it obligatory for Ireland to change its legislation to permit the establishment of casinos. This is only a rumour — the directive seems to focus on allowing lotteries in other member states to operate in Ireland. Nevertheless, much concern has again been raised among residents living in the Navan Road area. The previous Government publicly indicated it was opposed to amending the 1956 gaming and lotteries legislation to allow for the establishment of casinos. The residents are anxious to know the position of the current Government.
An application for planning permission in the grounds of the old Phoenix Park racecourse has been made. The application was successful on resubmission and would allow for the development of a stadium, hotel, conference centre and casino. Permission for the latter could not be granted by the local authority as the establishment of a casino is not permitted under existing legislation. Ogden Developments Ltd. was successful in its planning application for the other elements and according to the company is said to be awaiting the opportunity of amending legislation which would allow it develop the final element of its plan. This is the axe hanging over the heads of the residents in the area. They are wondering when the application will be renewed and whether the Government intends introducing amending legislation.
I understand that in 1992 a confidential Garda report was written for the Government on the operation of casinos. It recommended that there should not be amending legislation on the basis that casinos were often used in the laundering of money from nefarious activities, an experience particularly prevalent in the US. There is much gambling in the US from Las Vegas to Atlantic City and the police believe significant amounts of money are being laundered by casinos and that they attract other forms of crime. It is clear from the information which has surfaced in the course of the Veronica Guerin murder hunt and from the many people who have been questioned by the Garda that bookmakers have been used for money laundering purposes. More significantly, money has been sent to other countries, such as Holland, for laundering. Recently allegations have been made regarding the involvement of prominent public people in money laundering. Money laundering, crime, prostitution and other unacceptable activities associated with the introduction of casinos are major concerns.
The Navan Road Community Council and other groups associated with the area are concerned that the green belt be retained between the city and county. It was part of the breathing lung included in the city and county development plans.
There is concern about the views of the Government on the establishment of casinos and whether it is contemplating amending the gaming and lotteries legislation.
