1 October 1997
BY TOM KELLY
McDONALD'S, the world renowned fast food chain, are coming to Mayo.
The company has earmarked Castlebar as the location for their first ever outlet in the county. Representatives of the giant restaurant firm have inspected a number of sites in the town with a view to providing a drive-in takeaway unit.
One of the sites being examined is located along the N5 roadway in the vicinity of the Old Cemetery. The land in question is owned by the Casey family, proprietors of Casey's Garage at Turlough Road.
They acquired planning permission for a garage and showrooms a number of years ago from Castlebar Urban Council. Mr. Gerry Casey junior confirmed that McDonald's had made an approach to them about the site.
He said: "There is nothing finalised in this matter. McDonald's are looking at a number of other locations in the town.
"It could be four to five weeks before a definite decision is made by them."
The construction of a takeaway outlet on the site in question would entail a new planning application being submitted to the local Urban Council.
The proposed location is seen as being ideally suited because of its close proximity to the new Dunnes Stores complex which is expected to be completed later this month.
There are also plans for a cinema nearby, while Quinnsworth, before being taken over by Texcos, were reported to be setting up a branch at the rear of the Travellers Friend Hotel.
McDonald's interest in Castlebar will be viewed as another vote of confidence in the town's ever-improving economy.
