The Freedom of Information Act in Ireland may have failed to produce the requested publication of the controversial casino licensing report, now completed, but the Justice Department says ministers will sign off on it at a meeting following the budget vote. It will be the final cabinet meeting before the Irish Parliament (Dáil) breaks for Christmas. The report has apparently been fast-tracked for circulation to all ministers and government departments.

TD Michael Lowry, an Independent who represents North Tipperary, says he is committed to addressing the need for job creation and support for enterprise development. Yesterday he announced he will vote for the government’s budget. The present government has only a two vote majority and needs the votes of two Independents to pass the budget, which of necessity will be a severe one. Lowry is backing a €460 million casino project near the village of Two-Mile-Borris in Tipperary. Planning permission has been granted for the 500-room hotel, new racecourse and casino but needs an amendment to the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.

Commenting on the successful planning application for the casino development, on 2 November Lowry declared, “I am pleased to be centrally involved in promoting and advancing this project. This is a unique, exciting and ambitious project especially when set against a background of economic crisis. This project is a beacon of light, an infusion of hope.” The development is expected to create 1000 jobs over a three year period of construction and when fully functional and operational to create up to 2000 jobs. Lowry is demanding changes to the country’s gaming laws that presently prohibit casinos.

Lowry has had several meetings with Ministers over the last few days but had not raised the issue of the casino at Two-Mile Borris. However, it seems that he and fellow Independent Jackie Healy- Rae have ensured that the government has committed to some issues supported by the Independents. These include maintaining entitlements such as free travel and free electricity for the elderly and funding for the €100 million bypass for Tralee in County Kerry. On the question of amending Ireland’s outdated gaming laws, the government may agree that ‘a beacon of light, an infusion of hope’ would be welcome relief in Ireland’s economic crisis. (E-12.07.10)

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