Updated 12.50pm
MCDONALD’S HAS welcomed a decision to give the go ahead for a restaurant in the square in Temple Bar, after An Bord Pleanála gave the thumbs up to the proposal.
Dublin City Council had rejected an application for planning permission for McDonald’s to takeover Frankie’s Steakhouse and Bar at 42 Temple Bar Square last September, saying it would have a “detrimental impact on the mix of uses within the Temple Bar area, which already has an ample supply of restaurants”.
McDonald’s originally proposed opening a a three-floor outlet with an ancillary takeaway. It’s not yet clear what restrictions will be placed on the new development, although it is understood to incorporate a McCafé.
Now, it looks like Big Macs and fries will be on tap in Temple Bar, after An Bord Pleanala gave the green light for the project, which is expected to create around 60 jobs.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s told TheJournal.ie that the company is now reviewing the terms and conditions of the decision by An Bord Pleanála, and says work should then begin on the project in the near future.
An Taisce has said that it’s concerned about the decision to grant permission for the restaurant. A spokesperson told TheJournal.ie that even though McDonald’s has been forced to tone down its ‘logo-isation’ in other countries, it’s unlikely that someone visiting Dublin wants to see the golden arches in an area like Temple Bar.
The spokesperson also raised concerns about litter in the area and said that the restaurant should remain almost invisible in order to preserve the character of the area.
What do you think about McDonald’s in Temple Bar?
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say