McDonald’s have been granted planning permission to construct another outlet in Waterford, despite an appeal.

The franchise already operate two stores in Waterford City – in John Roberts Square and on the Cork Road, whilst they also operate a restaurant in Dungarvan.

McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd submitted a planning application to Waterford City and County Council on December 12th.

The lands in question are part of the Waterford Retail Park on the Cork Road.

The development consists of a single storey drive-thru restaurant, car parking, accessible parking spaces, grill bays, electric vehicle charging spaces and bicycle parking.

A height restrictor, customer order points with associated canopies, totem signage, free-standing signage, banner frames and digital menu boards are planned, alongside an outdoor furniture/seating area with parasols.

To facilitate the development, part of an existing car park will be reconfigured to include new pedestrian crossings.

A decision was made by the local authority to grant planning permission in March – subject to twelve conditions.

A subsequent appeal was then made to An Bord Pleanala.

Michael Feehan with an address at Graigue Lower, Cuffesgrange, County Kilkenny claimed that the development “will fundamentally alter the nature of the retail warehouse park”.
He claimed that the scheme “is s single use car based development, not ancillary to any of the uses on the park or providing any synergy with same”.
Mr Feehan further claimed that the McDonald’s proposal “will negatively impact on existing restaurants and takeaways in the general area including in particular those in the city centre and district centres”.
Mr Feehan also claimed that the drive-thru “will negatively impact on the vitality and viability of the city centre and district centre drawing traffic into a facility on the periphery”.
A decision on the appeal was due last week – Senior Planning Inspector with An Bord Pleanala, Matthew Redmond advised this week that permission be upheld.
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