*McDonalds Shannon
MCDONALD’S in Shannon is seeking planning permission for a series of upgrades to its restaurant, including a new dual-ordering system at its drive-through.
The proposed changes at the Tullyvarraga premises are designed to modernise the restaurant, with the applicant stating that the additional ordering lane would allow two customers to place orders simultaneously and help reduce congestion.
McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd. has applied to Clare County Council for permission to carry out internal and external upgrade works at the existing restaurant, which has operated at the site since 2002.
The planning statement submitted with the application identifies the dual-ordering system as the main element of the proposed development. The existing single-lane arrangement would be modified to allow two customers to order at the same time, with the applicant saying this would improve the efficiency of the service and traffic flow through the site.
The plans include four new digital menu boards, comprising one single and three double boards. Two existing customer order display units would also be relocated to accommodate the revised drive-through layout.
To create the additional lane, part of the existing bin store area would be demolished and modified, with new gates and fencing provided.A separate remote bin store is proposed to the north of the restaurant, alongside a pedestrian pathway with tactile paving to provide a route for staff between the store and the building.
The application also provides for internal layout changes to the kitchen and dining area, including new partition walls in the dining area and the removal of a partition wall between the kitchen and dining space.
External works would include upgrades to the restaurant’s windows, doors and drive-through booths, as well as new signage and a height restrictor at the entrance to the drive-through.
The car park would be reconfigured to provide 29 spaces, including two new electric vehicle charging stations and two designated grill bays. Three existing parking spaces would be reconfigured to accommodate the changes, with new bollards, lighting, signage, landscaping and road markings also proposed.
The planning statement says the works are intended to bring the restaurant in line with modern drive-through operations and improve the experience for customers using both the drive-through and dining areas.
The application notes that the restaurant was originally granted planning permission in 2002. Further permissions for alterations were granted in 2012 and 2017, with the latter allowing for changes including side-by-side ordering points and a new ordering point with a canopy.
The site is located off the R471 in Tullyvarraga, close to a Circle K service station and the road connecting to the N19 and Shannon Airport.
A submission or observation in relation to the application can be made in writing to the planning authority for a prescribed fee of €20.
This must be done within five weeks of the authority first receiving the planning application.
The application was received by Clare County Council on October 20. The closing date for public submissions is November 23, with a decision due by December 14.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
