With a name redolent of Edward Lear nonsense verses it is tempting to think along those lines when it comes to the Boyd Gaming project in Limerick. Like many a hapless subject of Lear’s wit, it appears that the company may come unstuck over its project for a slots parlour in Pennsylvania. Limerick officials have decided to oppose the plan, in contrast to other areas where such developments have been proposed, and are informing the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

Boyd is now in the position of having to withdraw its application to the PGCB, or rethink a plan of action. The major reason for the lack of support for the slots parlour in Limerick seems to be foreseen problems with traffic flow in the town. Boyd’s US$650 million investment in a slots parlour, hotel and convention centre with adjacent mall could be anticipated to exacerbate the present traffic jams. In other places this might be overlooked, but Limerick is home to a nuclear power plant.

With upgrading the highway exit not an option at present, officials are concerned that in the case of a required emergency evacuation, extra traffic on the roads could prove fatal. The official opposition to the Boyd development would seem to mean the end of the company’s chances in the bidding process for slots licences. Considered by many to be a long-shot from the start, as the Montgomery County site is relatively high income and not in need of regeneration, the PGCB is unlikely to consider the Boyd bid in the face of Limerick opposition. (E-04.27.06)

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