Fast-food company McDonald’s has announced that it is planning to open over 200 new restaurants across Ireland and the UK over the next four years.
The move, which will be the largest expansion programme by the fast-food chain in more than 20 years, will create approximately 24,000 jobs.
The expansion is backed by a £1 billion (€1.2 billion) investment from McDonald’s and its franchisees. The company aims to not only increase the number of locations but also explore new restaurant formats, including trials of additional smaller sites.
Currently, McDonald’s operates more than 1,500 restaurants across Ireland and the UK.
In 2022, McDonald’s Irish division experienced its most profitable year, with pre-tax profits soaring by 157 per cent to €43.16 million. This strong financial performance underlines the brand’s growing success in the region.