Ahern defends Louth support

MINISTER FOR Justice Dermot Ahern said yesterday he would always support projects with the potential for job creation in his Louth constituency.

The Minister was responding to an article in the Sunday Times which revealed he had lobbied fellow Ministers to support a proposal to build a winter sports and casino development in Dundalk.

“As I understand it, the proposal currently before the local authority is primarily for a ski and leisure facility and very much fits in to Dundalk’s desire to become the primary sports and leisure capital for the northeast,” he said.

“I understand the application does not contain a provision for a casino.”

Mr Ahern said there was currently no legislation allowing for casinos in the State.