McDonald’s has highlighted its growing social and economic footprint in the Republic of Ireland, outlining a combined annual contribution of more than €414m to the economy and a spend of €241.7m with Irish farmers and agri-food suppliers.
The figures were presented at a stakeholder event in Dublin, where the company sought to underscore the scale of its sourcing and employment commitments ahead of its 50th anniversary in Ireland in 2027.
The fast-food group operates 95 restaurants across the country, all run by 19 Irish franchisees who collectively employ more than 7,000 people.
Over half of those franchisees began their careers as Crew members before progressing through the company, McDonald’s said.
More than 100 industry representatives attended the event, including senior figures from suppliers such as Dawn Meats, Dew Valley Foods, Flahavan’s, Kerry Group, Moy Park, Lakeland Dairies and Lee Strand.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD and Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole were among the keynote speakers.
Mr O’Toole described McDonald’s as a “very significant” part of Ireland’s agri-food supply chain and highlighted the partnership between the company and Bord Bia.
“Through our extensive collaboration with McDonald’s as part of our Quality Assurance programme, Bord Bia is pleased to have established a longstanding partnership grounded in shared commitments to supply chain resilience and sustainability,” he said.
“Irish farmers, along with the entire supply chain, recognise the significant value McDonald’s delivers on an annual basis.
“Achieving approved supplier status for the McDonald’s brand represents a benchmark reflecting the highest standards of food safety and traceability.”
Lauren Schultz, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, told attendees the company intends to deepen its commitment to Ireland in the coming years.
“Today’s event is about celebrating all that makes our business in Ireland truly Irish – from the unrivalled quality of our Irish ingredients to the outstanding employees in our restaurants that place us truly at the heart of Irish communities,” she said.
She added that McDonald’s is “committed to growing our impact here further in the coming years and marking our 50th anniversary in Ireland in 2027.”
Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia; Patrick Gerber, Chief Restaurant Officer, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, Jimmy Edwards, McDonald’s Franchisee; Lauren Schultz, CEO, McDonald’s UK and Ireland and Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; and Claire Riordan, People Manager at McDonald’s Tallaght restaurants
Franchisee Jimmy Edwards, who operates three restaurants in the Greater Dublin area, said the company offers long-term career prospects.
“McDonald’s is a place of opportunity where we encourage our people, of all ages and from all backgrounds, to flourish and achieve their full potential,” he said, noting the strong tenure of staff and their involvement in community and charity initiatives, including Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.
Photo: Lauren Schultz, CEO, McDonald’s UK and Ireland and Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine.