Temple Carrig Secondary School, located in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, challenged the planning approval for a drive through McDonald’s at Blacklion Neighbourhood Centre that’d be at barely 100 metres from the institute’s entrance.
The school authorities claimed that the spot is very close to three schools, with an approximated total of 1800 students as potential customers, and even though An Board Pleanala has granted approval, they oppose on the basis that the green light is not in line with the national policy of reducing child obesity and promoting healthy eating.
Since 2013, chilhood obesity was identified as a major public health issue, and schools accross the country were, and still are, encouraged to promote healthy food choices amongst their students.
The fast food outlet was approved in September of 2015 and after being challenged by the Temple Carrig Secondary School board of managemente, the development was green lighted under 11 conditions. However, the fact that the chosen site is available for mixed uses, including fast food restaurants, and that Wicklow County Council’s Local Area Development Plan has not incorporated healthy eating policies, made case for the project to continue as planned.
Despite this, many still oppose to this opening, and claim that the board failed to carry out an appropriate assesment of the plan.