McDonald’s illuminated sign gets green light despite Tipperary residents’ concerns

Three local residents raised objections to plans for a prominent illuminated McDonald’s sign at the new drive thru restaurant in Thurles, citing concerns over planning conditions, light pollution, road safety and the impact on wildlife.

The submissions were made to the council during the planning process for a 6.5-metre-high totem sign featuring the the chains famous illuminated “Golden Arch”.

Among the concerns raised was the fact that an existing planning condition attached to the McDonald’s development states that “no totem sign or banner signs shall be erected.”

The objector argued that the latest application effectively sought to overturn the existing condition by introducing a 6.5-metre totem sign.

They questioned why the restriction should now be removed, stating that the application did not provide new evidence or sufficient justification for lifting the prohibition on such signage.

Another resident raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposed illuminated sign on nearby homes.

The resident said the illumination could contribute to light pollution in the surrounding area and potentially affect people living close to the site.

A third submission stated that the sign could be a “visual distraction” for drivers and could “possibly lead to an accident”.

The resident also expressed concerns that the light pollution could have an adverse effect on natural wildlife located near the River Suir.

Despite the concerns raised in the three submissions, McDonald’s has now been given the green light for the sign, with planning permission granted this week, with six conditions attached.

One of those conditions states that all internal illumination of the totem pole must be switched off by 10pm, with the sign not permitted to be internally illuminated outside the restaurant’s permitted opening hours of 6am to 10pm, and the council can also require a lighting survey if complaints about light spillage are received.

The new drive-thru restaurant itself has already opened in Thurles. Almost 50 years after McDonald’s opened its first Irish outlet in Dublin, the franchise’s newest outlet opened its doors in the town on Wednesday, August 18.

The restaurant was officially opened by Tipperary hurler John McGrath, who cut the ribbon alongside local McDonald’s franchisee John Quirke, restaurant staff and members of the local community.

Mr Quirke is also behind the McDonald’s outlet in Nenagh, which opened in 2023.

The Thurles restaurant represents an investment of €5.6 million and has created 90 jobs. It is the 98th McDonald’s restaurant in the country and is open seven days a week, from 6am until 10pm.

The outlet features a dual-lane drive-thru, 30 car parking spaces, bicycle parking, electric vehicle charging facilities and an outdoor seating area.