Kildare arcade expansion granted despite local opposition
Photo for illustrative purposes only
PERMISSION has been granted for the expansion of an amusement and gaming arcade in Newbridge after a successful appeal against Kildare County Council’s earlier refusal.
The approved plans provide for the extension of the existing amusement and gaming arcade into an adjoining property, and changing the use of the unit from a hairdressing premises to arcade use.
An Coimisiún Pleanála overturned the council’s decision and approved the development at Charlotte Street/Eyre Street by Vincent King. The original application was refused by Kildare County Council in September 2025.
The council originally refused the application on the grounds that it was not in line with the objectives of the Newbridge Local Area Plan 2013-2019 (as extended), where “an electronic games area/ amusement arcade use is not permitted,” and included that it would “be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
The original application also received submissions against its development from local Newbridge councillors, Chris Pender and Peggy O’Dwyer.
In his submission, cllr Chris Pender argued the development conflicted with the Newbridge Local Area Plan, under which the site is zoned “Town Centre”, where amusement and gaming arcades are listed as not permitted uses under the zoning matrix.
He said the proposal ran contrary to the objective of protecting and enhancing the town centre’s character and maintaining a balanced mix of uses.
Cllr Pender also cited a section from the Kildare County Development Plan, which states that gaming arcades will not generally be considered except where part of a large tourist attraction. He said the proposal did not meet that threshold and warned against an over-concentration of gambling-related uses in the area.
His submission raised concerns about regeneration objectives, potential anti-social behaviour, youth exposure, proximity to homes and schools, and a lack of detail around noise insulation and operating safeguards.
Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer mirrored cllr Pender’s concerns in her submission. She mentioned that Newbridge had already seen a growth in vape shops, nail bars and fast food outlets, alongside derelict properties, and argued that extending the arcade would not support efforts to keep the town centre vibrant.
She expressed concern that the adjoining unit appeared capable of operating as a separate arcade and noted its proximity to schools, residential areas, licensed premises, a vulnerable adults facility, a day care centre and sports facilities.
She also raised concerns about gambling addiction risks, the scale of the extension, the absence of a noise impact submission, and noted that a previous application for such a facility had been refused by the council.
Despite the objections, an Coimisiún Pleanála approved the project subject to conditions. It found that the proposal aligns with the Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 and would not negatively affect the character or balance of uses in the surrounding area.
It noted the site’s established commercial use, its position outside the core retail area, and the broader commercial context of Eyre Street.
The decision found the development would not lead to an oversupply of arcade-style uses, or damage residential amenities nearby. It also concluded the project would not undermine the retail role, vitality, or regeneration prospects of Newbridge town centre.
Permission has been granted subject to several conditions. These include a requirement that the works be carried out in line with submitted plans unless otherwise agreed with the planning authority, and that signage details be approved in advance.
It was also ruled that the extended area cannot operate as a separate arcade without further planning permission. Noise controls have been imposed, with limits on amplified music and entertainment noise relative to background sound levels, particularly during night-time hours.
Operating hours for the expanded arcade have been restricted to between 10am and 10pm daily in order to protect nearby residential amenity.
