The first 50 of 200 jobs being created by McDonalds with the opening of four new fast-food outlets in Ireland this year were put in place today.
A new state-of-the-art €2 million Drive Thru restaurant was opened at Gort Road in Ennis by Munster, Irish and Lions rugby star David Wallace.
It is part of a €12 million investment the company is making in Irish outlets during 2009.
John Atherton, managing director of McDonald’s Ireland said: “The investment and the creation of 50 new jobs is a lift for Ennis, which has always been a vibrant and lively town but one that has been hit by the current economic downturn.
“We believe that Ennis is a great location in which to invest and we look forward to providing great food and great service at a great price to our local customers and indeed working with local businesses to increase footfall amongst shoppers over the coming months.”
He said the company was committed to supporting the local community through the contribution it made to the agricultural community in the mid-west.
“We are one of the largest purchasers of beef from Irish farmers, some €86 million last year, with many farms in the region supplying us with top quality Irish beef for both the Irish and European markets.
“This economic contribution is helping to sustain and support the local economy and this cannot be underestimated during these tough economic times,” added Mr Atherton.