CONTROVERSIAL signage advertising Burger King at an entrance to the English Market is being ridiculed by people who say it is not in keeping with the artisan food culture of the area.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Ken O’Flynn has said he will be making contact with the planning office at City Hall after seeing the signage on Twitter.

The signs are displayed on both sides of an overhead barrier in the lane between The Oyster Tavern and Burger King.

“It is really quite ugly,” Mr O’Flynn said.

“I think it looks absolutely hideous and I think it is bad for the city centre, which we are trying to promote as the heart of artisan food and showing off our market so much.

“It has to be investigated, it is not helpful for the image of Cork city.”

Chef Kate Lawlor, formerly of Fenn’s Quay restaurant, tweeted an image of the signage that went viral with people stunned at the sight of the “in your face” advertisement.

“In my personal opinion, I think the sign is not very aesthetically pleasing. The English Market is an iconic entity and I don’t think it represents the city well,” she said.

Ms Lawlor said she would have prefered to see a local artist given the opportunity to create something beautiful in the space rather than a large Burger King sign.

“I think it takes away from the beautiful laneway. I understand the company has the right to advertise, but they could have hired a local artist and done something different.

“Something just doesn’t sit right with me about it. As a chef I believe in supporting the local economy and healthy eating and I love the architecture of the city. There is no artistic relevance from the sign and I feel it is very big and in your face.”

Former Cork Business Association President Pat O’Connell, who is also a fishmonger at the English Market said the signage “doesn’t do us any favours”.

When contacted, Cork City Council said their planning directorate was looking into the issue.