Press Release                                                                  21^st. September 2011

“An Taisce welcomes Minister Shatter’s decision on Super-Casinos”

An Taisce today welcomes The Minster for Justice’s statement that future Casino licensing law would not allow for “large resort-style casinos, such as have been proposed by some promoters”

Charles Stanley-Smith, Chair of An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland stated “An Taisce is guided by the principles of sustainability and when we talk of sustainability, we include environmental, social and economic sustainability, because the three are irrevocably interlinked.  The Economy resides within Society and Society is entirely dependent on the Environment. 

An Taisce appealed the Tipperary Casino on planning grounds but questioned the societal benefits that were meant to accrue.  We are heartened that the Minister has agreed with us said that there is no need for resort style Casino and that ‘There is no social benefit in a resort of this scale’.”

The Minister’s decision also brings into question the Dundalk Ski Slope and Casino, currently before An Bord Pleanála in an Oral Hearing.

Ends

For further commentary/clarification please contact:

Charles Stanley-Smith, Chair,  An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland, 087 2411995