Last month, planning approvals were granted to McDonald's for new drive-thru locations in Westmeath and Waterford. Additional applications for sites in Wexford, Tipperary, and Cork are ongoing. The proposals faced minimal opposition, except for one objection in each case, which subsequently led to appeals against the permissions. The objectors raise concerns about the potential adverse effects on local retail environments and existing eateries, arguing that the drive-thrus may draw traffic away from city centers, thus undermining their economic vitality.
In his original objection against the McDonald's drive-thru proposal in Waterford, Mr Feehan claimed that the development "will fundamentally alter the nature of the retail warehouse park". He further claimed the McDonald's proposal "will negatively impact on existing restaurants and takeaways in the general area including in particular those in the city centre and district centres."
Mr Leonard states that "notwithstanding that the development will have some function in providing food for workers on the estate, it will primarily function as a drive-thru for the wider population." He emphasizes that this could detract from local eateries.
Both objectors live a distance away from the planned McDonald's outlets; Mr Feehan in Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny, and Mr Leonard in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, citing concerns about broader community impacts.
As part of its continuing Irish expansion, McDonald's also has additional planning applications for new drive-thru restaurants currently before planning authorities for sites in New Ross, Co Wexford, Thurles in Co Tipperary, and Carrigaline in Co Cork.
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