Fast-food chain McDonald's is to begin the phased re-opening of its Irish restaurants from next week.
Six restaurants in the Dublin area will open for drive thru service only on Wednesday May 20th.
The company shut all its restaurants across Ireland and the UK eight weeks ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Its chief executive Paul Pomroy says: "We took the decision to close our entire restaurant estate, an unprecedented decision taken in the best interests of our employees and customers.
"Over the last two months we have worked tirelessly to overhaul our operational procedures to enable our teams to return to work safely and I am pleased to write to you the day before we begin testing our return to the UK and Ireland."
The company says in line with Government guidance they are pilot re-opening the six drive thru restaurants.
It adds it will confirm the locations next week.
It hopes to re-open all drive thrus by early June in step with Government guidelines.
Also from May 20th, McDonald's will cap spend in its drive thrus at €30 per car.
Other new measures include fewer people in the kitchen and service areas, temperatures checked on arrival at work, perspex screens in key locations and protective equipment for staff.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed says: "McDonald’s is a valued key purchaser of Irish produce and an employer of a large number of people throughout Ireland.
"I therefore welcome today’s announcement that McDonald’s restaurants will begin a cautious reopening in Ireland from May 20th with a small number of restaurants opening as drive thru only at first.
"The last couple of months have been undoubtedly tough, both economically and socially, but the recent announcement from Government on the phased reopening of the country, offers reassurance and hope for brighter days ahead."
