Ennis Town Council yesterday ignored a plea from Mid-Western Health Board dieticians to request McDonald's to evaluate what impact a new McDonald's restaurant in Ennis could have on children's health in the area.
Last month, the health board lodged an objection against the drive-through restaurant, demanding that the fast-food giant carry out an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) into the possible health impact on the local population before the council would consider the application.
The objection by community dieticians Dr Anne Griffin and Ms Audrey Lyons stated that they would "welcome the support of Ennis Town Council to protect the health of our children and our children's children.
"Whatever the short-term financial benefits might be, we cannot put a price on our children's health."
The town council yesterday put the project on hold, and put a number of queries to McDonald's.
However, none of the additional information requested relates to the possible health impact of the fast-food restaurant.
Instead, the council's concerns relate solely to planning issues, and the impact that the restaurant would have on traffic in the area.
Clare Green Party spokesman Mr Brian Meaney, who had also requested that the council seek an EIS from McDonald's over the possible health impacts, said yesterday: "I am glad of the debate that has been generated on what we eat as a result of the submissions made."
At the health board's February meeting, its chief executive, Mr Stiofán de Burca, distanced the board from the objection lodged, telling members that, however well-intentioned, the objection was a "personal statement" by the community dieticians concerned.
Mr de Burca said: "The health board has not made any statement in relation to McDonald's", adding that the health board has not got a policy against fast-food.
A decision is expected to be made on the restaurant later this year.
