Planning approved for new McDonald's drive-through

Planning permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanála for the new McDonald’s Drive-Through restaurant at Lakepoint Retail Park in Mullingar.

Permission was originally granted on February 13; however, an objection was lodged by Ray Leonard of Manorfield in Kinnegad on March 11.

In the appeal, there are concerns raised around the local development plan that governs the location, which is now 11 years old and pre-dates the updated policies in the Town Centre First policy.

Mr Leonard pointed out that no particular opening hours were specified in the council decision; argues that the development is premature pending the adoption of the Mullingar Local Area Plan 2024-2030; and that while a restaurant servicing the needs of the commercial estate would be acceptable, what is involved in the McDonald’s proposal is “a car-oriented development on the edge of town approximately two kilometres from the town centre”.

A decision was made at a meeting and was signed on June 26, although it contains some new revised conditions.

There are 18 revised conditions for the drive-through, which include: being appropriate in terms of use, height, and would not impact the commercial viability of existing retail and business or the town itself, and it must not impact the visual amenity of the area.