Planning permission has been granted for a new £4million McDonald’s Restaurant in Enniskillen.

The plans for the new McDonald's site were approved during Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Planning Committee meeting yesterday, Wednesday, July 19.

Council officials had recommended for the plans to be approved.

It is hoped that the new-look restaurant will open in September, 2024, and will increase employment in the area as jobs available in the restaurant will almost double when McDonald’s relocates from its current site at Cathcart Square to the new site at the former T. P. Toppings garage.

The final approval on the plans came from members of the Council’s Planning Committee.

Councillor Paul Robinson, DUP, proposed approval of the demolition of the existing garage and erection of a freestanding McDonald's Restaurant with drive-thru, car parking, landscaping and associated works including two customer order displays.

His proposal was seconded by Councillor Tommy Maguire, Sinn Féin.

Seconding the proposal, Councillor Maguire said: “As we have discussed over the years about Enniskillen and the vacant sites, it is good to see one of them potentially being developed in this way. Anything that brings 120 full- and part-time jobs to Enniskillen is to be welcomed.”

No objections or debate was held, and there was an additional comment of approval heard from Councillor Erroll Thompson (DUP).

Councillor Anthony Feeley (SF) and Councillor John McClaughry (UUP) were asked for their approval from Chair, Councillor Robert Irvine, UUP, and both councillors gave a thumbs-up to the proposal via videocall.

Two related planning applications were also passed unanimously.

Speaking following the approval, Aisling Lawless, Senior Estates and Acquisitions Surveyor at McDonald’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our application and would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the process.

“Since submitting the planning application more than two years ago, we have worked closely with the Council, statutory consultees and the local community to help bring our relocation plans to fruition.

"This will see the creation of a modern and inviting drive-thru restaurant for our customers to enjoy their meals.

“Upon completion, we plan to relocate all 68 of our current crew members from Cathcart Square to the new restaurant, in addition to hiring more staff, resulting in the creation of 120 full- and part-time positions.

“We endeavour to commence construction later this year and look forward to welcoming customers to our brand-new restaurant in September, 2024.”

The proposed development entails a modern freestanding single-storey McDonald’s restaurant with drive-thru, car parking, landscaping and associated works, including customer order displays.

The entire development will occupy a space of 371sq m and feature 76 covers for diners to enjoy their meals within a relaxed, modern environment.

Additionally, 35 car parking spaces will be provided (including two accessible) and six dedicated cycle spaces.