An Coimisiún Pleanála has given the green light for a new McDonalds restaurant and drive-thru in Letterkenny.
The outlet, which is to be built by local developer PJ McDermott, is the second such fast-food outlet displaying the famous Golden Arches locally.
A site beside Rossview Business Park and the Polestar Roundabout was designated as the potential home of the restaurant.
But local businessman Eddie Tobin objected to the site on a number of grounds.
However, An Coimisiún Pleanála turned down that appeal in recent days and granted conditional planning on February 11th.
The permission is subject to 20 conditions laid down by An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The developer sought permission to demolish a two-storey house and a single-storey commercial building to make way for the single-storey drive-through restaurant and car park.
The application shows that the existing McDonald’s restaurant off the Pearse Road will continue to operate and that the owner will make efficient use of their service vehicle fleet by conducting ‘drops’ at both restaurants in the one journey.
Donegal County Council gave the green light for the development in August, subject to 19 conditions including the limiting of opening hours to 8am – 11pm.
However, the plans were delayed following the objection by Mr Tobin to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Mr Tobin has objected to the development due to traffic concerns, including the site’s proximity to the Polestar roundabout.
He stated that vehicles coming from the roundabout will turn into third-party properties because there is no right turn into the proposed site.
He also objects to the proposed traffic management system and the design of the building, which he believes lacks “architectural quality”.
BREAKING: McDonalds get green light for SECOND outlet in Letterkenny despite objection was last modified: February 16th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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