Historic bingo hall escapes demolition under apartments scheme
SAVED: Reprieve for the landmark hall which attracts 2,500 patrons a week
Saturday May 02 2009
One of Dublin's biggest bingo halls has been saved from demolition.
Developers had hoped to knock down the landmark Star Bingo Hall and replace it with 40 apartments and a retail and medical centre on Crumlin Road.
The plans came as a shock to the thousands of women who regularl used the hall, and many locals did not agree with the "ghetto-like" apartment blocks included in the plans.
Over the years, the Star Bingo Hall has provided the area with various forms of entertainment including a cinema, a skating rink and a bowling alley. It has been in its current incarnation for the past 25 years.
The Crumlin Historical and Preservation Society complained that the facility was vital for the many senior citizens who use the hall for their favourite pastime.
They favoured the construction of a civic centre where the game could still be played. Manager Sandy Coleman said they generally have 2,500 customers a week.
"They come from all over, from Kildare, Meath, Bray, Tallaght and Ballyfermot," she said.
"It's a popular pastime for them. Seventy per cent of these women here don't drink, so this is their outlet."
Lost
One regular said she would be lost without it.
"I hope they don't move it. I'd miss it terrible. I must be coming here 10 years or more," said Carmel Behan, from Tallaght.
The City Council granted planning permission for the development at the junction of Crumlin Road, Kildare Road and St Mary's Road.
But three parties lodged appeals with An Bord Pleanala and the planning authority has ruled against granting permission. The authority said that the construction would be out of place in the context of adjoining property and streetscapes.
"As such the proposal would detract from the visual amenities of the area and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," An Bord Pleanala said.
It also noted the plans meant that the apartments would have been located too close to other houses in the area.
"It would provide for a poor level of amenity for residents and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," it commented.
It was also ruled that there was not sufficient private open space within the apartment block or enough parking facilities for potential residents.
- Claire Murphy
