McDonald’s outlet beside Co Wicklow school ruled out

The construction of a McDonald’s drive-through restaurant, located opposite three schools at the Blacklion Centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow will not go ahead.

In a statement, McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland said it has been informed by Lidl Ireland of its alternative development plans for a new Lidl store on its site in Greystones.

“This intention and its scale rules out the possibility of a Drive-Thru restaurant development on this site.

“McDonald’s Ireland engaged extensively with both Lidl and Wicklow County Council in advance of obtaining planning permission for a Drive-Thru restaurant.

“McDonald’s often seeks to locate new restaurants close to retail outlets which are appropriately zoned in accordance with planning guidelines.

“Proximity to schools is not and will not be a factor for McDonald’s in assessing suitable locations for new restaurants.”

On Monday, a secondary school in Greystones brought a legal challenge to planning approval for a McDonald’s restaurant less than 100 metres from its front entrance.

Temple Carraig secondary school claimed McDonald’s Restaurants Ireland Ltd chose the location for its planned drive through restaurant at Blacklion Neighbourhood Centre because it is close to three schools which expect to cater for 1,800 students.