Fast-food giant McDonald's has been putting the finishing touches to its new outlet in the heart of Temple Bar.

The famous McDonald's sign has now been erected outside the building in the heart of the city's cultural district.

The new fast-food restaurant is based at Temple Bar Square.

There was controversy following a decision by An Bord Pleanala to overrule objections by Dublin City Council and allow the chain to open its new outlet in a 19th century building.

One of the conditions of the planning permission is that the restaurant cannot trade between midnight and 7.30am, unlike the McDonald's branch on Grafton Street, which is free to open 24 hours a day.

The Temple Bar permission was granted for an initial period of three years in order to allow a reassessment of the development on the "character and dignity of the area".

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McDonald's plans to use the 2,454 sq ft ground floor as a restaurant and takeaway, and a further 2,131 sq ft at first-floor level as restaurant space. Both the basement and top floor will be used for ancillary services.

The company has previously said it was committed to creating jobs for city residents. The decision to grant McDonald's the green light for the project last year strongly divided the Temple Bar community and representatives alike.

City officials had rejected its planning application as it argued that the area was adequately served by restaurants and takeaway facilities.

However, An Bord Pleanala decided to allow the fast food giant to trade in Temple Bar.

It voted two-to-one in favour of McDonald's after months of deliberations. Some 78 jobs have been created as a result of the opening of the branch.

Online Editors