Plans for new McDonald's Mayo outlet approved

McDonald's plans for a new restaurant and drive-thru in Claremorris have been approved by Mayo County Council.

The new outlet will be located on lands adjoining the Silverbridge Plaza and Shopping Centre on the Knock Road.

The proposal was the subject of a number of objections.

Submissions raised concerns around increased traffic, noise, the impact on residential parking, loitering, with people remaining at the premise's outdoor seating, along with bins and odour control.

The point was made that this is already a traffic congested area.

Concern was also raised that there are several local food and beverage establishments already operating in the town and they will be negatively impacted.

Located less than 250 metres from the senior campus of Claremorris National School, another submission said having a fastfood restaurant specialising in ultra-processed food so close to a primary school would be detrimental to the health of young people.

Local Councillor Richard Finn had spoken out in favour of the development, saying it was a vote of confidence by an international and global brand to identify the potential of the fastest growing town and area.

In a submission, he said they could not afford to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to encourage more passing trade from the N17 north/south corridor and the busy N60 to Claremorris town.

It was also a vote of confidence in Mayo where the nearest McDonald's outlets are Galway and Sligo, with the exception of Castlebar.

The grant of permission is subject to a number of conditions, including investment in junction upgrades.

The developer is to pay a special contribution of €68,500 to contribute towards works to upgrade the existing traffic signals at the junction of the N60/L1519, as well as €90,000 towards works to upgrade the existing junction onto the N60 to the west of the proposed site.