Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
arch enemies

Anger as McDonald's given go ahead to open near school

A school in Greystones had tried to stop the fast food company opening near them.

A LEGAL ACTION taken against a new McDonald’s restaurant being built within a kilometre of a school in Greystones, Wicklow, was thrown out today.

The board of the Temple Carraig secondary school had challenged the fast food giant’s intention to build a new ‘Drive Thru’ restaurant in the north Wicklow village. They had claimed that the restaurant was not just going to affect their students but also the younger pupils who are attending primary schools in the area.

Campaigns had been launched by concerned parents and many had called for ‘no fry zones’ to be introduced. This would have meant no fast food outlet would be allowed open within a kilometre of a school.

Today’s High Court judgement was met with disappointment from groups such as the Irish Heart Foundation.

Head of advocacy with the group, Chris Macey, said: “This judgment highlights the need for new legislation to protect children’s health by introducing no-fry zones, restricting hot food takeaways within one kilometre of primary and secondary schools.”

He claimed that  75% of Irish schools have at least one and 30% have at least five fast food outlets within one kilometre of their front gates.

He added: “Today’s ruling shows that current planning laws give carte blanche to fast food restaurants to open as many outlets as they like in the vicinity of our schools.

“We are calling on the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Eoghan Murphy to take decisive action to safeguard children’s health by drawing up legislation to prevent any further deterioration in this already unacceptable situation.”

Read: Mother who has Parkinson’s left in hospital for six months after home care application denied >

Read: Garda on trial for allegedly harassing her partner’s ex wife >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
77
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.