The property at 98 North Main Street which is currently the subject of a planning application.
A building on Wexford’s Main Street which had in recent times been listed on the local authority’s derelict sites register is now the subject of an interesting planning application.
The property at 98 North Main Street, next door to Ray’s Diner, had recently been tidied up by Wexford County Council ahead of the town’s hosting of the Fleadh, with images of traditional musicians on Wexford’s quayfront. It most recently hosted the works of renowned artist Michael Mulcahy.
Now the disused building is the subject of a planning application by Cork based company Coalquay Leisure Ltd, who are seeking to change the use of the building from a retail unit to “an amusement and entertainment centre with associated works”.
The company behind the proposed development had already entered into consultations with the Department of Housing & Local Government, the Disability Access Officer, Uisce Éireann, the Roads Department and the Heritage Council prior to lodging the application.
What exactly the entertainment centre will consist of is unclear from the planning application, however, the plans and elevations contained within the documents show a large section of the ground floor laid out into an “arcade”. Whether this will consist of video games or a casino-type setup is not stated.
While the latter is sure to divide opinion somewhat, there’s no doubt that many will be keen to see the building back in use rather than falling to rack and ruin.
The application is currently with Wexford County Council’s planning section and a decision is expected by August 31.
The property at 98 North Main Street which is currently the subject of a planning application.
Coalquay Leisure have been busy lodging planning applications around the country of late. In Nenagh, Co Tipperary, the company had a similar application for a gaming hall approved by the local authority last week, despite numerous objections and fears that “women and children will suffer” if it is allowed to go ahead.
The property at 98 North Main Street which is currently the subject of a planning application.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 25th August 2025
The objectors stated that the last thing Nenagh needed was a gambling hall to add to a string of betting offices in the area.
Meanwhile, back in June, Coalquay Leisure had an application to turn vacant retail unit in Tralee into a “casino-style premises” with roulette and slot machines. Kerry County Council subsequently rejected the application, stating it would have a “negative impact” and that there was already an “oversupply” of such services in the area.