Lap-dance case adjourned

A judge has again deferred the planned opening of a lap-dancing club in Kilkenny.

At Kilkenny District Court yesterday, Judge William Harnett adjourned the matter for the second time in two months and said he would consider the case again on January 22nd.

The court is considering an application from Whispers Entertainment Ltd for the transfer of a licence at an existing public house which is closed. The firm has leased the pub which it plans to reopen as a combined sports bar, pole-dancing and lap-dancing club.

The company's solicitor, Patrick Casey, told the court that the fire services had visited the premises earlier this week to carry out a safety inspection. He requested a two-week adjournment to allow his client to comply with the fire safety report.

Solicitor Sonya Lanigan, representing Kilkenny Borough Council, told Judge Harnett that the local authority has referred the matter to An Bord Pleanála.

The council has asked the board for its opinion as to whether or not the proposed opening of the club would require planning permission.

Plans to open the club have generated significant opposition from politicians of all parties in the county.

Councillors have called on the Government to alter planning laws to enable local authorities to prevent "adult" clubs and shops from opening in areas deemed unsuitable.

They have also expressed fears that the opening of the club would damage Kilkenny's reputation as a "quality" tourist destination, attract more "stag" and "hen" parties, cause nuisance to local residents and lead to the "exploitation" of women.

The company has pointed out that all its dancers, male and female, come from Ireland and other EU countries and that their club in Waterford has operated successfully and has been "trouble free" since it opened.