McDonald's contributes €19 million to local economy & supports over 560 jobs in Kildare says new research

McDonald’s has four restaurants in County Kildare in Naas, Newbridge, Maynooth and Kilcullen

In 2023, McDonald’s contributed €19 million to the local economy and supported 567 jobs in County Kildare, according to new research. 

McDonald’s has four restaurants in County Kildare in Naas, Newbridge, Maynooth and Kilcullen.

The McDonald’s Ireland Social and Economic Impact Report highlighted that McDonald’s supports 11,640 jobs across Ireland and contributed €414.6 million to the Irish economy in 2023**. 

It also revealed its ambition to create 1,000 new jobs across Ireland over the next four years, marking a €40 million investment.

Out of the 11,640 jobs that McDonald’s supports in Ireland, 8,880 are directly employed by the company and its franchisees directly.

The economic data, which was provided by independent planning and development consultancy Lichfields, also found that, in 2023, McDonald’s spent €241.7 million with Irish businesses within its supply chain. 

Furthermore, it recorded that over the last five years (2018-2023) the company invested €41.6 million in the expansion and improvement of its restaurant portfolio in Ireland, which includes new sites that were introduced to the market as well as restaurant refurbishments.

McDonald’s first revealed its Golden Arches in Ireland on Grafton Street, Dublin in 1977, and since then its Irish portfolio has grown to 95 restaurants, which are all owned and operated by 19 local franchisees. 

The company said it commissioned the independent economic report to understand the value McDonald’s has added to the Irish economy and the impact it has had on local communities, employees, customers and suppliers over the last number of years. 

Alistair Macrow, Chief Executive, McDonald’s UK&I, commented: “We have come a long way since we first opened our doors on Grafton Street, Dublin in 1977. We have become an important part of communities across Ireland, and I’m delighted that, through the launch of our new Social and Economic Impact Report, we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting communities and growth in Ireland. 

“I’m also thrilled to announce a €40 million investment in our Irish restaurant estate, which, over the next four years, will lead to the creation of 1,000 additional jobs in Ireland. 

“This is a moment to celebrate but also an opportunity to look ahead to what’s next. Whether that’s continuing to provide the best value for our customers, investing in our restaurants, supporting our suppliers across Ireland or launching new initiatives for young people where our communities need them most. 

“We’re proud of what we have delivered in Ireland since 1977 and are committed to continuing to invest in new opportunities and supporting the communities we serve.”

Elaine Sterio, Franchisee, McDonald’s Ireland, added: “Since we first opened in Ireland almost 50 years ago, McDonald’s has demonstrated its commitment to serving excellent, high-quality food made from locally sourced produce through longstanding relationships with supply chain partners such as Kerry Group and Dawn Meats.

“We are committed to our suppliers, evidenced by our economic contribution to local supply chain businesses, who play a key role in producing some of our most iconic menu items, as well as building brand trust in the quality of McDonald’s food provenance.

“From local farmers and producers, the food we serve is produced to an exceptionally high standard by suppliers that are based across Ireland.” 

Ms Sterio also said that in the time McDonald’s has operated in Ireland, its loyal customer base has remained constant.

“As a brand, we have continually invested in upgrading and improving the restaurants which we operate by introducing new technology and innovations to help enhance the customer journey and crew experience,” she added.

“The business has also collectively built strong relationships in the community, which is evidenced by the employment of staff who are from local communities across Ireland, as well as through the partnerships we have built with local community organisations and sports clubs.”

Hailing the impact of McDonald’s crew members and its wider staff network, Ms Sterio said that the business was passionate about developing its people.

She added: “We are proud of the contribution we make to jobs across Ireland, both directly and indirectly, and are committed to providing our crew with a platform to launch their careers and thrive in them.

“Our staff benefit from hands-on training, skills development and positive career advancement opportunities and are guided on personal professional development pathways that allow them to meet their true potential.”

‘’McDonald’s Ireland: Our social and economic impact’ can be downloaded in full, from the Newsroom at mcdonalds.co.uk:  https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/newsroom.html