McDonald’s serves up 99th Irish restaurant in Carrigaline

Fast-food giant McDonald’s opened its 99th Irish restaurant in Carrigaline last week, creating 80 jobs.

The drive-thru, located beside Aldi on Pottery Rd in Carrigaline West, is owned by Jim Ronayne, who operates several McDonald’s outlets in Cork.

“I’ve worked with McDonald’s for more than 20 years and I’m looking forward to making this restaurant a part of the Carrigaline community,” said Mr Ronayne.

The new diner will create a mixture of full-time and part-time crew positions, as well as opportunities in middle and senior management.

It will trade seven days a week, with a 24-hour drive-thru and McDelivery service. Indoor seating will be available from 7am to 11pm. The 30-space car park will contain electric vehicle charging facilities, bicycle parking, and an outdoor seating area.

Mr Ronayne’s franchise is one of 18 that own and operate each McDonald’s restaurant in Ireland, directly employing more than 7,500 people nationwide.

The Carrigaline opening is part of a plan by McDonald’s to open five restaurants a year in the country over the next five years, representing an investment of €150m in the Irish market. The company said the expansion will create approximately 1,750 jobs.

However, competition has been increasing from other US-based fast-food chains such as Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Popeyes, which have opened locations in Ireland in recent months.

The Cork franchise was also dealt a setback recently after it was denied planning permission to open a 24-hour drive-thru restaurant at Fota Retail Park.