McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd. has submitted a new planning application for a prominent illuminated sign at its drive-thru development currently under construction in Thurles.
Planning application reference 2660699 seeks permission for a 6.5-metre-high totem sign on the western side of the site at Slievenamon Road and the Thurles Relief Road. The proposed structure would feature the familiar yellow acrylic, internally illuminated McDonald’s “Golden Arches”, together with all associated works required for its installation.
The drive-thru restaurant itself was previously permitted under Tipperary County Council planning reference 2460829, subsequently considered under An Coimisiún Pleanála reference 322465-25. The planning authority granted permission in April 2025, subject to conditions, and the development is now under construction. An Coimisiún Pleanála’s inspector examined issues including traffic, lighting, visual amenity, nearby homes and the site’s relationship with the town centre before recommending approval.
However, one wonders why the applicants now require a separate application for a 6.5-metre Golden Arches totem, perhaps the signage details simply got lost somewhere between ordering the fries and securing permission for the drive-thru.
No doubt residents overlooking the site will be absolutely thrilled to discover that this substantial, internally illuminated Golden Arches sign, has arrived through a fresh planning application; after permission for the restaurant itself had already been secured and construction had begun.
How extremely thoughtful of McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd to deal with such a visually prominent feature separately.
Local Retailers Note: There could be a major run, in the near future, on Blackout Roller Blinds and Sleep Masks sought by the families overlooking this restaurant site; so stock up.
Whatever one’s view of the restaurant, signage of this height and brightness deserves proper scrutiny, particularly regarding its visibility from nearby homes, its effect on residential amenity and its overall impact on the surrounding streetscape after dark.
The application documents and current planning status can be viewed through the Tipperary County Council ePlanning record.
The background to the permitted restaurant is also documented in An Coimisiún Pleanála’s inspector’s report.
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