Fermoy residents far from amused as arcade gets green light

THE decision by Cork County Council giving the green light to Perks to set up an amusement arcade in Fermoy is set to be referred to An Bord Pleanála.

The authority this week ruled in favour of the development, which is to be sited at a unit in the Blackwater Shopping Centre on the northern side of the town. Residents had lodged four separate objections/submissions with planners against the proposal.

Among the concerns raised by residents were the proposed arcades’ proximity to two nationals schools, a lack of parking for the cars it would potentially attract and its proximity to a “very dangerous traffic junction”.

Liam McGahern, of Beechfield Estate, listed six reasons for objecting to the arcade, including on the grounds of noise pollution, that the unit was designed for retail use and that the proposed amusement arcade had the potential to draw “undesirables” from outside the community.

Another objection, which included the names of more than 70 Beechfield Estate residents, said they felt the location was “totally unsuitable” for an amusement arcade and that they were “in no doubt that this would cause anti-social behaviour in our community.”

While the council granted permission for the arcade, it stipulated 10 conditions, covering issues such as parking, external noise pollution and signage.

Planners also said it could only open between 10am and 10pm and the arcade would cease to operate after five years allowing for a review of its impact on local amenities.

However, locals were not impressed and last Monday met with local county councillor Noel McCarthy – who himself lodged an objection to the plan – to vent their anger at the situation and start the process of deciding what steps to take next.

“Quite understandably in my view the residents at the meeting were quite upset and feel their concerns should have been taken into account more by council officials. As some people are away on holiday at the moment, the residents have decided to meet again on Saturday week to discuss their next step,” said Cllr McCarthy.

“Judging by the discussion that took place last Monday evening I have no doubt but that this is far from resolved and there will be a formal objection to the granting of planning permission lodged with An Bord Pleanála sometime in the near future,” he added.

Cllr McCarthy said that while locals were keen to see the empty units at the shopping centre occupied, they still insisted it was not a suitable location for an amusement arcade.

“Despite the conditions imposed by council planners there is a fear among residents that the development will encourage anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“I can fully understand these concerns and will fully support the residents if they decide to take this to the appeals board,” Cllr McCarthy told The Corkman.