McDonald's battles back in bid for Temple Bar branch

McDONALD'S has launched a detailed appeal against Dublin City Council's decision to reject its plans for an outlet in Temple Bar, the Herald has learned.

The company lodged the appeal against the decision on September 29 -- almost a month before the closing date set by An Bord Pleanala.

The appeal -- seen by the Herald -- rejects all of the council's grounds for refusing its application and includes a detailed legal opinion from a member of the Senior Counsel.

The appeal questions whether the application was rejected due to the "perception" of the effect a McDonald's outlet would have on the surrounding area.

It states: "It appears that the principle obstacle to the subject development is perceptions of the proposed end user.

"Would a different result have been achieved if the planning application was silent on the proposed end user?

"We strongly submit that it is the use that should be assessed -- not the end user."

alcohol

And the company also rejects the decision that it would sell alcohol if granted permission to open in Temple Bar.

A number of objections to the original planning application raised concern about the alcohol licence held by the previous occupants Frankie's Steakhouse and Bar.

Temple Bar Cultural Trust stated in their respective objection: "Given that McDonalds sell beer in their outlets in many countries on the continent of Europe, Temple Bar Cultural Trust are concerned that the operator may seek to apply to transfer the restaurant licence currently in place in the existing unit."

However, McDonalds completely ruled out the prospect of serving alcohol in its appeal, stating that it would "extinguish" the alcohol licence that is currently in place if An Bord Pleanala overturns Dublin City Council's decision.

And McDonald's also fired a shot at Temple Bar Cultural Trust, claiming that "any congestion on the Square has resulted from outdoor seating leases issued by Temple Bar Cultural Trust".

Evening Herald

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McDonald's refused permission for Temple Bar restaurant

DUBLIN CITY Council has denied planning permission for a McDonald’s restaurant in Temple Bar.

The proposed development had met resistance from groups such as An Taisce and the Temple Bar Cultural Trust who argued that its construction would detract from the cultural, artistic and historic character of the area.

The fast-food giant had hoped to locate itself on the site of Frankie’s Steakhouse and Bar at Temple Bar Square.

Dublin City Council said Temple Bar was already adequately served by restaurants, that the building in question was a protected structure and that adding a McDonald’s would add to the congestion in a small public space.

On its website, the council said the introduction of another take-away facility into the area would have a “detrimental impact on the mix of uses within the Temple Bar area which already has an ample supply of restaurants”.

The council also found fault with the proposal to insert automatic doors, which it said, would “negatively detract from the building’s specific historic character”.

An Taisce, invited by the council to comment on the application, said that among other issues a branch of McDonald’s would contribute to the problems caused by alcohol in Temple Bar.

“The permitting of a large global fast-food chain restaurant in this highly visible location in the centre of Temple Bar would contribute to and reinforce the existing negative synergy between the uses of alcohol and fast food in the area, and the perception of Temple Bar as overwhelmingly a drinking and fast-food quarter.”

A spokesman for McDonald’s said it was disappointed by the refusal to grant planning permission and that the company was reviewing the decision before deciding on any follow-up action.

McDonald’s now has four weeks to appeal the decision to Dublin City Council after which it can appeal again to An Bord Pleanála.

Irish Times

www.buckplanning.ie

An Taisce opposes Temple Bar McDonald's

PLANS TO open a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant in Dublin’s Temple Bar would detract from the cultural, artistic and historic character of the area, An Taisce has said.

The heritage body has joined Temple Bar Cultural Trust in opposing the fast-food giant’s plans to open a branch at the site of the former Fitzer’s restaurant and more recently Frankie’s steakhouse and bar at Temple Bar Square.

Several local residents and politicians have also made submissions on the company’s application to Dublin City Council.

An Taisce, invited by the council to comment on the application, said there was an oversupply of fast-food restaurants in the area and a branch of McDonald’s would contribute to the problems caused by alcohol in Temple Bar.

“The permitting of a large global fast-food chain restaurant in this highly visible location in the centre of Temple Bar would contribute to and reinforce the existing negative synergy between the uses of alcohol and fast food in the area, and the perception of Temple Bar as overwhelmingly a drinking and fast-food quarter.”

There were five fast-food restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the site and a further 13 on the perimeter streets bounding Temple Bar, An Taisce said.

McDonald’s would not comment on the opposition to its plans but has said the development would result in 60 jobs.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Maria Parodi said any jobs McDonald’s might generate would displace existing employment in other local restaurants.

Cllr Kieran Binchy (FG) said the area was unsuitable for “generic international fast-food restaurants”. Instead small independent businesses should be encouraged.

The Irish Times Environment Editor and Temple Bar resident Frank McDonald has also made a submission opposing the planning application.

Irish Times

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