This article is from page 23 of the 2007-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
PLANS for a gambling club in Shan- non have been re-lodged to Clare County Council.
Businessman John O’Donovan lodged plans earlier this year for a ‘members club’, which he says would create 12 jobs.
Submissions were made by Shan- non-based Councillor Patricia Mc- Carthy and former Clare hurler Brian Lohan and planning was refused by the local authority.
However Mr O’Donovan – who hails from Quin – has once again lodged a planning application, using the term ‘casino’ and remains optimistic that his project will get the go-ahead.
He plans to lease a premises over the EBS in Shannon town centre for the venture.
He says he has carried out research, and as a result, believes that a casino would be a huge success in Shannon.
“T was involved in the construction of 62 holiday units, the East Clare Golf and Holiday Village in Bodyke. When they opened, a year-and-a-half ago, they had a phenomenal amount of guests, but in the evening time, they had nothing to do,” said Mr O’ Donovan.
He said he also carried out “brief surveys” on the hotels in Shannon and found that the occupancy ranges from 500 to 1200 per week, during the tourist season.
“A number of guests would spend two to three days there. Unless you enjoy a drink, there is nothing really to do. That is how Shannon came to the forefront of this,” he said.
He said he has changed the word- ing from ‘members club’ to ‘casino’, mainly to address an objection made by Councillor McCarthy.
“IT am forever optimistic. We are hoping this is the first hurdle in some- thing an awful lot better. Ireland needs to give tourists what they want.
‘“T have had very good advice. I have travelled Europe and talked to differ- ent casino owners,” he said.
He said the initial plans were refused, as the chosen location wasn’t suitable, but he believes he can gain planning
permission this time around.
“In a sense of fair play, I decided to relodge so everybody has an opportu- nity to voice their opinions, be it good or bad.
‘“T have been very surprised by some of the public representatives’ negative attitudes,” added Mr O’ Donovan.
“T have been a bit downhearted by some of the negative comments. I am looking at this as something positive for Shannon,” he said.
‘There are two casinos in Ennis and numerous in Limerick and Galway. Why not Shannon?” he said.
People who wish to make com- ments on the project should reer ne Mr O’ Donovan oy shannoncasinos @ yahoo.ie.