Gaming designation in rural Mayo shop approved in tight vote

AN application to regularise designation status for two gaming machines in a rural north Mayo shop has been approved.

It took the deciding vote of Erris Councillor Sean Carey, cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, for approval to be sanctioned.

Gaming machines have been in operation at Carrowteigue PO for over 30 years, with no garda objection, but the required designation wasn't in place.

Councillor Gerry Coyle, at a municipal district meeting, said the room in question is smaller than the length of a radiator, housing two tiny machines in what is a small shop.

Three Westport councillors - Christy Hyland, Brendan Mulroy and Peter Flynn - were against the proposal, citing the 'misery' caused by people who are addicted to gambling.

Councillor Hyland said he woudn't have it on his conscience, saying these machines are a 'nightmare' for people.

Responding to commentary about 'one arm bandits', Councillor Coyle said there is now a 'one finger bandit' - the phone, which is where people are gambling.

Councillor Johnny O'Malley said this was a 'unique situation' in a very rural area and he would be abstaining from a vote on the motion before them. He had previously voted against it.

Councillor Paul McNamara said he had been in the shop and this had been running for 30 years with no issue.

The matter would now go before the court for it to decide.

In the vote, Carey, Coyle and McNamara were in favour, with Flynn, Hyland and Mulroy against, and O'Malley abstaining.

Councillor Carey had the deciding vote as chairman, saying 'yes'.