McDonalds gets planning for outlet near Greystones schools

Planning permission has been approved for a McDonals drive-thru restaurant, located opposite three schools at the Blacklion Centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow,

The controversial proposal replaced an earlier application from McDonald’s for a smaller, 368sq m, restaurant and drive-through which was turned down by An Bord Pleanála earlier this year.

The approved application covers a 1,114 sqm development including a café, a health and fitness studio, a commercial unit, and a two-strorey drive-thru restaurant of 624sqm.

It also provides for an enclosed yard, reconfiguration of existing parking and a turning lane from the Greystones to Bray road.

Initial permission from Wicklow County Council was appealed by the boards of management of three nearby schools, Templecarrig Secondary School, Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath and the Greystones Educate Together.

The schools which a projected roll of 1,800 children were a number of parties who opposed the siting of McDonalds at The Blacklion Centre on grounds of potential adverse effects, including obesity.

Minister of State Simon Harris was one of the original objectors to the scheme when it was before Wicklow County Council the first time. He said Minister for Justice Justice Frances Fitzgerald stated in March 2014 that an exclusion zone for fast food restaurants around schools and playgrounds was under consideration to tackle the national battle against obesity.

In support of its application McDonalds Restaurants Ireland said the enhanced range of services it was providing would complete the Blacklion Centre. It is expected some 80 jobs will be provided in the development,

Local councillor Tom Fortune said nobody would argue against the jobs element but the location of the schools and McDonald’s “should not be together”.