An Taisce has raised objections to what it calls a “Las Vegas-style” Casino, plans for which were recently announced for the village of Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co Tipperary at the Horse and Jockey Hotel.
Model of planned Two-Mile-Borris Casino
An Taisce, through it’s heritage officer, Mr Ian Lumley, suggests that the plan is based on a “Failed International Development model” and who has written to North Tipperary County Council objecting to the plan .
The developer, Mr Richard Quirke, who is a former garda and who presently runs the ‘Dr Quirkey’s Good Time Emporium’ a gaming hall on O’Connell Street, in Dublin, has sought planning permission for this €460 million project calling it ‘The Tipperary Venue’.
Mr Quirke is understood to have the support of Coolmore Stud, Co Tipperary and Tipperary’s leading horse trainer Aidan O’Brien.
An Taisce has taken issue with Mr Aidan O’Brien’s belief that this project would greatly benefit the Irish exchequer and the general economy as a whole, by attracting high-rolling people who fly from country to country.
An Taisce believe that tourism based on long-haul air trips and short stays in Ireland is doomed to failure and claims that the the 26 existing racecourses in Ireland represent the highest, per capita, ratio of racecourses in the world, adding that if there is an argument for providing another indoor racing track, then this should be created at an existing venue.
The sustainability of such a proposal, states An Taisce, is undermined by the proposed provision of 8,000 car-parking spaces now planned and the greater use of helicopters, which would lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
North Tipperary County Council is due to issue a decision in the coming weeks, however, a delay is possible, if a request for further planning information is sought.
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