THE controversial £200 million plan to redevelop the former Phoenix Park racecourse may now be abandoned following a statement by the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Ahern, that he opposes licensing a casino on the site.
Last year, after the developers won planning permission for their scheme from An Bord Pleanala, the Government decided not to license casino gambling in the State. However, there was a prospect that this decision would be reversed if Fianna Fail returned to power.
The former Taoiseach, Mr Reynolds, had encouraged the developers while Mr Brian Cowen, one of its leading front benchers, was among those who attended a celebration party in the Conrad Hotel following the appeals board's decision a year ago.
The plans include a 12,000 seat indoor sports arena, a 65,000 seat multi purpose stadium, a 2,500 seat national conference centre and a Sheraton hotel with a large casino in the basement; this casino was described as the "financial engine" driving the entire scheme.
The development, by Sonas Centre Ltd, provoked widespread opposition from local residents and was the subject of a week long public inquiry in January last year. Prominent among the objectors was Ms Joan Burton, a local Labour TD and Minister of State for Justice.
In a letter circulated to residents of the area, Mr Brian Lenihan TD (FF) assured them that Fianna Fail's position was also clear. "In no circumstances will Fianna Fail in government enact legislation to permit the development of a casino at the Phoenix Park race course site."
This was based on a statement by Mr Ahern in the Dail last Wednesday that it was not the party's policy to link the development of a national conference centre with a casino. "There will be no casino, as proposed, for the Phoenix Park racecourse site," Mr Ahern declared.
His statement on the issue was welcomed yesterday by Mr Liam Lawlor TD (FF), who said he had "resolutely articulated" his opposition to the licensing of any casino. He was happy that Mr Ahern had now ruled it out "in the most categoric way possible".
Fianna Fail's clarification of its stance on the casino issue was also welcomed by the West Dublin Action Group, a coalition of residents' associations in the Castleknock area which was set up to oppose the scheme. Last night a spokesman said he was confident "this will be the end of it".
The developers could not be contacted to comment on the matter. But the head of Sonas Centre Ltd, Mr Norman Turner, is on record as saying that the scheme would only go ahead if a casino licence was issued. The stadium element would also require substantial grant aid.
Meanwhile, the developers planning a national conference centre on the former Carlton site at O'Connell Street are to sue the Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny, for "deliberate misrepresentation" over the handling of a competition for the project.
