TWO sports clubs in Castleknock, Dublin, fear they may have to close down if An Bord Pkanala grants planning permission for the massive Sonas Centre project on the Phoenix Park racecourse.
Mr Phil Galvin, of St Brigid's GAA club, which directly adjoins the racecourse site, said
The proposed development would do nothing for the area "except create havoc", particularly if the Garda cordoned off access to control crowds at major stadium events.
Mr Frank Kehily, chairman of the club which has over 1,000 members most of them teenagers said its grounds would be overshadowed by the huge stadium, just 30 metres away. With the roar of the crowds, he doubted if any of the club's players would hear a referee's whistle.
He also expressed concern that the proposed casino would attract drug pushers and drug users as well as leading to crime, bank robberies and vandalism. "It shouldn't be located near where hundreds of children play", he said.
Ms Grainne Mallon, planning consultant representing Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club, said its 2,000 members half of whom were children were also concerned about the impact of the proposed development.
She said the only access to the club was via the old Navan Road. If this was closed temporarily to facilitate traffic bound for the stadium, it would effectively mean the club would have to close down.