of local residents. The project was also dependent on the Oireachtas agreeing to pass new gaming legislation to allow the casino to open. In September 2011, then Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said the casino was "[ruled] out" based on a cabinet decision. Taoiseach Enda Kenny also ruled out any large-scale gaming venues, stating that the government was concerned about the protection of the young and vulnerable. Legislation was then proposed by the Minister of Justice to provide improved regulation of smaller casinos, and the government also agreed to start work on drawing up further laws. Following submissions by Quirke in 2013, the Irish Independent reported that there was "no sign of the Government altering its ban on supercasinos". As of January 2017, the proposed legislation made "provision for the licensing of modest-sized casinos" only. While the original planning application expired in 2018, the developer applied for (and was granted) an extension in February 2018 (until March 2023). References Proposed sports venues in the Republic of Ireland Unbuilt buildings and structures in the Republic of Ireland Unbuilt casinos