An Coimisiún Pleanála, (The National Planning Body) has upheld planning permission for a new Drive-Thru McDonald’s Burger joint to be erected at Clongour, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
An appeal had been lodged earlier in May 2025; however, this permission gives the go ahead for the development to be located on the south side of Lidl Supermarket, on the Clongour Road, leading out of Thurles town.
Tipperary County Council had already granted approval for the development last April.
In its ruling published today, An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed it had considered the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended), as well as the Climate Action Plans 2024 and 2025.
The Board upheld Tipperary Co. Council’s condition restricting trading hours to between 6:00am and 10:00pm, thus further rejecting the initial request by the applicant McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd for a 24-hour operation. It also ruled that the project would not negatively affect the Lower River Suir’s Special Area of Conservation.
Their decision states that, subject to conditions, the development would (1) Not significantly impact the residential amenities of the area; (2) Not endanger public health; and (3) Would be acceptable in terms of traffic, flood risk, pedestrian safety and visual impact.
Additional conditions will now cover lighting restrictions, noise control, signage, odour management, surface water management and parking limits. A ‘Bat’ surveys will also be required.
Protective measures regarding a line of mature trees were imposed. Although the site itself contains no actual trees, there is little doubt that roots from these 50 year old deciduous trees, most certainly have spread underground some distance into the narrow proposed site.
Concerns raised during the appeal did relate to the possible damage to these trees growing south of the River Walk boundary and also to increased traffic congestion; with a proposed inner relief road and a two lane bridge over the river Suir, not yet having materialized and for which funding is not likely to be advanced by government for several years into the future if ever.
Unless a challenge is lodged within the next eight weeks, the planning permission will now stand.
We don’t want this in our town and so close to residential properties and a protected nature area. Bad for our community on so many levels.