Restrictive opening hours impact Mayo betting office operations
AN application to extend opening hours for a possible future betting office in Castlebar has failed.
Restrictive hours imposed by An Bord Pleanála has already seen one operator not take up a lease of the premises in the town.
Applicant Paul Heverin has argued that trading hours enjoyed by other operators should be permitted at his property.
Application on behalf of Mr. Heverin was made to Mayo County Council for planning permission to modify a condition imposed by An Bord Pleanala in a previous application restricting the opening hours of a proposed licenced betting office at Ellison Street, Castlebar.
It was submitted that since that permission was granted in January 2021, Ladbroke Bookmakers have closed their premises on Castle Street (April 2024). However, Ladbrokes did not proceed with the leasing of the Ellison Street premises as the trading hours permitted were restrictive.
Evening racing, particularly on all weather tracks, runs to 9 p.m. throughout the year, it was pointed out.
Normal bookmakers hours throughout the county are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
The submission to planners pointed out that there are three other bookmaker offices in Castlebar, which avail of the general opening hours outlined above.
To restrict the subject site to lesser hours and earlier closing times was 'unfair and unjustified'.
Under the condition imposed by An Bord Pleanála, a betting office at the Ellison Street property would have to close at 6.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sundays.
In ruling that permission be refused, the council found that permission to extend the opening hours would contravene materially a condition attached to an existing permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála decision granted in '21.
The proposed extension of permitted opening hours would therefore impact on the amenity of the area, and be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.