Fast-food restaurant chain McDonald’s has announced 800 new jobs across Ireland this year.
The roles will be in McDonald’s restaurants nationwide, including counties Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow.
The jobs will bring the company's total workforce in Ireland to almost 6,000.
McDonald’s said the roles are being created to increase staff capacity in the coming months in line with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and public health guidelines.
Paul Pomroy, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said it was "fantastic" to be able to offer an additional 800 people an opportunity to work with the company.
“There is no doubt the pandemic has had a huge impact on many people’s employment opportunities and threatened the future of high streets up and down the country," he said.
"Our 95 restaurants are run by 22 local franchisees which means we have a personal stake in every one of our communities.
"It’s a big responsibility, and the moves we’ve announced today reflect our commitment to continue to innovate and invest in the local communities and economies we serve.”
Ziggy, a Jack Pug, with Layla Boyce (11), looks out the window of his owner's car who ordered him a double cheeseburger at the McDonald's drive-thru in the Artane Castle shopping centre. Photo: PAHe added that McDonald’s hires people "based on their qualities, not their qualifications" and they are "proud to give people from all backgrounds a start in their careers".
The announcement was welcomed by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar.
He commented: "Today's announcement of 800 new jobs by McDonald's is a welcome boost, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to Ireland, where it already has a strong employment presence throughout the country.
"As Ireland continues on the path to a full reopening, it is extremely positive news to see companies such as McDonald's planning for expansion and growing its workforce.”
Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec added: "McDonald's has been a leading employer and economic contributor to Ireland since the 1970s and today's job announcement is a further example of its positive impact in Ireland.
"As an employer, McDonald's provides its staff with significant growth and development opportunities at all levels of its business. McDonald's commitment to Ireland and the Irish market is as strong as ever and will continue to grow in the years ahead."
