Objections to the proposed construction of a drive-thru McDonald’s Restaurant here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, have today hit the headlines on The Irish Times, The Journal.ie and on R.T.E. .
All press articles highlight that local residents, including a local physician, Dr Paul Ryan, are objecting to the construction of a McDonald’s Drive-Thru restaurant near a crèche, school facilities and within 100 yards of Dr Ryan’s own surgery. “Having a fast food outlet is of no help at all in our efforts to promote healthier lifestyles.” Dr Ryan stated.
In his objection to the proposal Mr Chris Delahunt also echoed health concerns, as did others who made submissions to Tipperary Co. Council.
This planning application by the McDonald’s franchise, on a site situated close to the German international discount retailer Lidl, on Slievenamon Road, (N62), in the centre of a residential area has been described by many as being unprecedented and a bizarre planning move. If approved this could see a 24/7 fast-food restaurant placed slap bang in the heart of a major residential area, where residents already struggle daily to deal with serious growing traffic congestion due to the failure to provide a Ring Road.
While to date, over 20 objections have been lodged against this planning proposal; a number of the objections by resident locals are rightly based on health grounds, particularly as we are in the midst of an obesity crisis in this country, where one in five children aged under five, is obese according to a study referenced on the HSE (Health Service Executive) website on October 10th 2024.
Mr David Crowley in his submission rightly has stated that this planning application in effect is a takeaway and therefore contravenes the Thurles and Environs development plan 2024-2030 and should therefore be rejected out of hand. He believes that the proposed ring road around Thurles should be in situ, before any such development of this nature is entertained.
Mr Crowley also rightly stated that the Thurles and Environments development plan 2024 refers to the resisting of the Proliferation of Take-Aways and Betting Shops and further confirms that the traffic at the Clowngour and Lidl junction was already chronic with tail backs regularly beyond Turtulla Cross (N62), during school times. This proposed development would make this traffic congestion even worse again, with access for local residents adversely affected.
Irish Government Quote: “Ireland’s towns and villages are an important resource to protect and nurture. We want to ensure that they remain resilient locations with vibrant inclusive communities and a strong cultural and social fabric that deliver a good quality of life for future generations. We (the government) will support them through a strong commitment to ‘place-making’ so that any town centre environment is one in which people want to live, do business, visit and is ultimately successful”.
Resident Mr Shane Curran, in his submission, stated that Thurles is already well serviced by takeaway/fast food outlets. A fast-food drive-through restaurant in this residential area as suggested will generate noise, odour and litter, while causing a disturbance to nearby residents, particularly late at night. This type of development will attract late night usage increasing the potential for anti-social behaviour after the closure of local pubs and nightclubs.
A submission by Mr Frank Tuohy also reiterated the afore mentioned stated fears.
Mr Michael Corbett (through Ms Mary Lynch B.A .Dip. T.P.. MIPI) stated:
(1) That the development is almost exclusively a car focused development, attracting customers away from the town centre, to an edge of town location development.
(2) Same would provide no interaction or co-operation with existing retail businesses or other developments within the Liberty Square town centre area.
(3) Indeed, it’s 24/7 operation would draw night-time users away from the town centre, thus distracting from such businesses in the centre that already amply support night time entertainment; sit down food facilities and other fast food/take-away services.
(4) This planning application would lead to further dereliction and vacancy of existing town center properties.
Mr Corbett also, through his agent, stated rightly that he considers this application to be defective with respect to the public notices and believes that adequate notice has not been given to the public with regard to the 24/7 nature of the proposed operation.
A spokeswoman for McDonald’s said, “As a business, McDonald’s prides itself on being a good neighbour in the communities in which it operates, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council and local residents to mitigate any concerns raised.”
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