It comes as another outlet is set to open in Cork this week
McDonald’s (file photo)(Image: McDonald’s)
Expansion plans put in motion by fast food giant McDonald’s have hit a snag here in Cork, with the council opting to refuse planning permission for a new drive-thru outlet.
McDonald’s had requested permission from Cork County Council for a single-story restaurant with an attached drive-thru, order points, and indoor and outdoor seating areas. The company had also sought permission for other essential works such as new parking and EV charging spaces, bike spaces, a new access road and landscaping works.
The fast-food chain had hoped to build the new restaurant at the Fota Retail & Business Park in Carrigtwohill, but it was this location that ultimately led to the proposal being shot down. The proposed site is currently zoned for ‘business and general employment’ under the Cork County Development Plan.
Planners determined that a 24-hour drive-thru in such an area would ‘constitute an inappropriate departure from the core zoning objective and materially contravene the development plan.’ They also highlighted that these projects are typically built in town centres or in designated retail/neighbourhood areas.
The application received four objections: three submissions from individual residents and one from a local residents’ association, which submitted a response on behalf of several households. The individual complaints raised concerns about litter, environmental impacts, increased traffic and the effect a 24-hour drive-thru would have on the surrounding area.
The local residents’ association submitted a far more detailed response, engaging an architecture firm to document the zoning mismatch and build on the broad concerns raised by residents, while citing similar planning cases in which refusals were handed down.
It remains to be seen whether McDonald’s will appeal the application, as the chain aims to open 25 new restaurants across the country over the next five years. The refusal comes just days after the chain’s Ballincollig outlet reopened following a major, multimillion-euro expansion.
Over €2 million has been invested in the refurbishment project, which is designed to give customers a better experience while supporting future growth in the rapidly expanding suburb. This latest investment will create 10 new jobs in the local community, bringing the total staff count above 80.
The improvements to the Ballincollig outlet include six new double-sided self-service kiosks, a dedicated area for delivery collection, refurbishments to the bathroom facilities and a completely new décor package, which the company says is the first of its kind in the Irish market.
This week, the fast-food giant is also opening a new location in Carrigaline, featuring a 330-square-foot restaurant area and a dual-lane drive-thru. The seated area will be open 7 am to 11 pm, and the drive-thru will be open 24 hours. The grand opening is set for October 21.