Big changes planned for McDonald’s drive-thru and restaurant in Laois

McDonald’s in Portlaoise has applied for planning permission to upgrade their drive-thru.

McDonalds has been in operation at The Kyle Centre in Portlaoise for almost 20 years. Now, the restaurant has lodged a planning application with Laois County Council for upgrade works.

Across Ireland, McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd have been reinvesting in their portfolio with various applications lodged in the past number of years for extensions and improvement works to existing locations.

The purpose of these works are to enhance the efficiency of drive-thru and in-dining operations.

The planning application for McDonald’s in Portlaoise mostly focuses on the provision of a new dual-ordering system for the drive-thru which is hoped to improve operations.

According to the application, the dual-ordering system will allow two customers to place their order at the same time which will speed up the ordering process in the drive-thru.

In order to facilitate this new dual-ordering system, it is required to partly demolish the existing corral and bin store area and provide for a revised corral area and new remote bin store.

Associated tactile paving is also being provided for staff to safely access the new remote bin store.

New menus and signage in the drive-thru lane are also included in the planning application.

The proposed development is also seeking permission for minor internal alterations to the restaurant to provide a revised kitchen and dining layout.

The revised layout is being proposed to enhance the efficiency of staff in the kitchen and associated food-prep, while also providing for a revised ordering and dining experience for customers.

The planners stated that although the works are “minor in nature”, they will “significantly enhance and improve the overall operations and efficiency" of the restaurant.

Laois County Council is due to make their decision by November 5, 2026.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme