MCDONALD’S IRELAND has refused to comment on its application to open a three-storey outlet in the Temple Bar area of Dublin.
The plan has been described as “undesirable development” by a member of the Temple Bar Cultural Trust.
The proposed new branch of the fast-food chain would be at the site of the former Fitzer’s restaurant and more recently Frankie’s, a steakhouse and bar endorsed by jockey Frankie Dettori, at Temple Bar Square.
The building is a protected structure. McDonald’s has not tried to open in the area before.
According to the planning application, lodged with Dublin City Council on July 11th, the proposed development would involve refurbishment of the basement and ground floor, both used as restaurant space, and the first floor which is in residential use.
“The development will also consist of external works including the relocation of the public access doorway on Fownes Street to the former goods entrance on Fownes Street; the conversion of the existing public access doorway to a window; the provision of new glazing and frames at ground floor level; removal of existing external lighting and provision of new lighting; removal of existing signage and provision of new signage.”
The company is claiming the development will result in 60 jobs.
Chief executive of Temple Bar Cultural Trust Dermot McLaughlin, however, opposes moves to facilitate McDonald’s in the area. “Frankly it is something we would abhor,” he said. “It is an undesirable development for the area. Temple Bar was absolutely not designed with McDonald’s or other big franchises in mind.”
Other board members have voiced disagreement with the view. Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said Mr McLaughlin’s comments were reckless. “As a board member of the trust I wish to distance myself entirely from those remarks,” he said.
