New 'gaming centre' approved with restrictions on opening hours, noise and signage in Tipperary

The council has granted permission for a gaming centre in Clonmel, despite objections from local residents.

The applicants will change the former Gerry Chawke's Bar on 1 William Street, Clonmel, into a gaming centre.

The planning documents submitted for the gaming centre indicate that the operating hours are to be from 9am to 1am, with diagrams showing an internal layout with about 47 stools and arcade machines.

There were eight submissions received by the council objecting to the new development from local residents.

One letter, from the residents of Marian Court sheltered housing, asked the council to consider the fact that a development like this would ‘cause upset to us the residents, all of whom are elderly’.

‘Many of us are infirm and vulnerable and need the comfort and security, which Marian Court provides, for our wellbeing’.

The board of Marian Court sheltered housing also objected to the plans, saying such a development could cause ‘upset’ to their residents.

Another submission was jointly signed by about 80 local residents, objecting particularly to the fact that the centre plans on operating until 1am, and the fact that there is already a gaming centre across the road.

One other objector cited worries about noise pollution, sleep disruption, anti-social behaviour and traffic and safety issues as reasons to object the application.

There were five conditions attached to the planning granted by the council.

Under the conditions, the gaming and arcade machines will be restricted to the ground floor. No machines or other equipment associated with the gaming centre can be made available for customers to use on the first floor.

The centre will also be required to operate between 9am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday. This means the permitted closing time is two hours earlier than the 1am operating hours outlined in the planning application.

The council has also placed restrictions on signage and advertising. Details of the proposed new lettering must be submitted to and agreed by the planning authority before the development begins.

There are also a number of noise control conditions. No music or amplified sound can be played in a way that causes a nuisance to nearby residents or is emitted onto the public street.

The external entrance doors must be tightly fitting and self-closing, while all windows and rooflights must be double-glazed and tightly fitting. Any ventilation or air-conditioning openings must also have noise reducing equipment fitted.

The applicants must submit details to the planning authority showing how these noise-control requirements will be met, and those details must be agreed in writing.

An appeal against the planning authority’s decision may be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of the planning authority making its decision, which was made on September 22 2026.